Single Herb Glossary
Dāng Guī 當歸
| Pharmaceutical name | Angelicae sinensis Radix tangkuei, Chinese angelica root “state of return” (women’s herb) |
| Category | Tonify Blood |
| Key Properties | Tonifies the blood Invigorates the blood Regulates menstruation Alleviates pain |
| Properties | Sweet Acrid Warm |
| Tropism | HT, LV, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies the Blood & Regulates the Menses 2) Invigorates & Harmonizes the Blood and Disperses Cold 3) Moistens the Intestines & Unblocks the Bowels 4) Reduces Swelling, Expels Pus, Generates Flesh & Alleviates Pain 5) Treats Cough (adjunctive herb) |
| Dosages | 4.5-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Excess conditions or Yin Deficiency heat signs Caution with diarrhea or abdominal fullness due to abundant Dampness |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils 0.2 to 0.4% (ligustilide, n-butylidene phthalide, n-butylphthalide, n-valero-phenone-O-carboxylic acid); ferulic acid, scopletin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Effects on the uterus: administration associated with both stimulating and inhibiting effects on the smooth muscle of the uterus; laboratory studies have shown that water and alcohol extracts tend to stimulate uterus, while essential oil inhibits it; furthermore, clinical studies have shown that when uterus is in a state of relaxation, Dang Gui can induce contraction; conversely, if uterus is in a contracted state, then Dang Gui promotes relaxation; this dual action is credited for the therapeutic effect of relieving spasms and stopping pain • Cardiovascular: in one laboratory study using frogs, intravenous injection associated initially with inhibitory influence on heart, followed by negative chronotropic effect and positive inotropic effect; improves overall blood circulation by decreasing the whole blood specific viscosity, or improving the hemorrheological changes in “blood stagnation”; also has antiarrhythmic effect, especially against arrhythmia induced by epinephrine, cardiac glycosides, aconitine, and barium chloride; administration associated with reduction of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and decreased risk of atherosclerosis, as demonstrated in laboratory studies • Antiplatelet: administration in rats associated with marked antiplatelet effect, similar to aspirin; other studies have demonstrated that it also inhibits thrombus formation • Immunostimulant: administration associated with increase in phagocytic activity by macrophages • Respiratory: demonstrated beneficial effect in treating wheezing and dyspnea caused by bronchospasm • Hepatoprotective: promotes generation of hepatocytes and has demonstrated marked hepatoprotective effect • Antibiotic: inhibitory activity against Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Vibrio cholerae, α-hemolytic streptococcus and β-hemolytic streptococcus • Analgesic and anti-inflammatory: extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of acetylsalicylic acid; decreases vascular permeability to reduce inflammation; anti-inflammatory effect is approximately 1.1 times stronger than acetylsalicylic acid, and its analgesic effect is approximately 1. 7 times stronger |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: has been suggested that concurrent use with warfarin may potentiate effect of warfarin; in one in vitro study, it was discovered that while Dang Gui treatment did not affect prothrombin time on its own, it significantly lowered prothrombin time values when given concurrently with warfarin • Scopolamine and cycloheximide: administration of extract at 1 g/kg found to be effective in treating scopolamine- and cycloheximide-induced amnesia in rats • Acetaminophen: has been shown that Dang Gui treats acetaminophen-induced liver damage, presumably because it promotes generation of hepatocytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.