Hormone Support
Dong Quai
Also known as: Angelica sinensis, Female ginseng, Tang kuei, Danggui
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a traditional Chinese medicinal root used to support women's health and hormonal balance, particularly during menopause and menstrual cycles. Scientific evidence for efficacy is mixed, with limited high-quality clinical trials.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Dong Quai product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Dong Quai Capsules | 82 A- | $0.07 |
| 2 | NOW Foods Dong Quai | 81 A- | $0.16 |
| 3 | NOW Foods Female Balance | 77 B+ | $0.18 |
| 4 | NOW Foods Black Cohosh Root | 76 B+ | $0.12 |
| 5 | Nature's Way Dong Quai Root | 74 B+ | $0.38 |
| 6 | Vital Nutrients Menopause Support | 74 B+ | $0.70 |
| 7 | NOW Foods Iron Complex | 72 B | $0.08 |
| 8 | Herb Pharm Dong Quai | 72 B | $0.11 |
| 9 | Bluebonnet Nutrition DONG QUAI ROOT EXTRACT | 66 B- | $0.31 |
| 10 | Vital Nutrients PMS Support | 66 B- | $1.07 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Dong Quai should I take?
The typical range is 500-2000mg daily or as part of formula. Traditionally used cyclically with menstruation
When should I take Dong Quai?
Divided doses. Yes.
Which form of Dong Quai is best?
Capsules — Standardized. Other forms in the catalog: Tincture, TCM formula, Root powder, Liquid extract, Standardized extract, Decoction.
Is Dong Quai safe?
Commonly reported: Photosensitivity, GI upset, Increased bleeding. Serious warnings: Increases bleeding risk, Photosensitivity. Safe short-term
Which Dong Quai supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Dong Quai Capsules, at 82/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Menstrual health (traditional)
- Women's tonic
- Blood building
- Menopausal symptom support
- Menstrual cycle support
- Blood circulation support
- General women's wellness
How it works
- Traditional blood tonic
- May support uterine health
- Often in TCM formulas
- Limited Western research
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-2000mg daily or as part of formula
- Timing
- Divided doses
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Traditionally used cyclically with menstruation
- Special populations
- Women seeking traditional support
Forms
- Capsules
- Tincture
- TCM formula
- Root powder· 70/100
- Liquid extract· 70/100
- Standardized extract· 70/100
- Decoction· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Photosensitivity
- GI upset
- Increased bleeding
Contraindications
- Before surgery
- Bleeding disorders
- Heavy periods
Products containing Dong Quai
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Dong Quai on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Limited Western evidence, strong traditional use
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Cited research for Dong Quai
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention dong quai. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
Related in Hormone Support
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.