Use with caution. Review interactions and contraindications below.
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet, acrid
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Liver, Heart, Spleen
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis
- Regulates menstruation
- Alleviates pain
- Moistens intestines and unblocks bowels
Secondary Actions
- Supplements when combined with tonifying herbs; moves Blood when paired with dispersing agents
- Addresses both Blood deficiency and Blood stasis simultaneously
Classic Formulas
- Si Wu Tang — foundational Blood-nourishing formula for Blood deficiency patterns
- Sheng Hua Tang — primary postpartum recovery formula for lochia retention and Blood stasis
- Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang — combines with Huang Qi in 1:5 ratio to tonify Qi and generate Blood
Classical References
- Classical literature refers to Dang Gui as 'female ginseng' for its supreme Blood-nourishing and menstrual-regulating properties
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Z-Ligustilide
- Ferulic acid
- Butylidenephthalide
- Angelica polysaccharides
- Vanillic acid
Studied Effects
- Comprehensive review identifies phthalides and organic acids as primary constituents with blood tonification and analgesic mechanisms (PMID 27211015)
- Ferulic acid, Z-ligustilide, and E-ligustilide demonstrate nephroprotective effects against cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity in vitro (PMID 25561245)
- Ferulic acid and Z-ligustilide synergistically modulate cold-sensing proteins TRPM8 and TRPA1, with potential for pain and cold sensitivity applications (PMID 27413384)
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — increases risk of miscarriage; blood-activating properties may stimulate uterine contractions
- Breastfeeding — avoid due to insufficient safety data
- Excessive menstrual bleeding or active hemorrhage — blood-invigorating properties worsen bleeding
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate) — estrogenic activity may worsen condition
Cautions
- Photosensitivity and photodermatitis reported; limit sun exposure during use
- GI effects: bloating, diarrhea, appetite loss
- Use cautiously in Yin deficiency with vigorous Fire or diarrhea/loose stools
Drug Interactions
-
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
— Additive anticoagulant effect; may increase bleeding risk and elevate PT/INR (Moderate)
Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
-
CYP3A4 substrate drugs
— Prolonged use induces CYP3A4 via pregnane X receptor activation, potentially reducing concentrations of substrate medications (Unknown)
Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
-
ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)
— Concurrent use exacerbated anemia in animal models; clinical relevance unknown (Unknown)
Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
-
Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel)
— Significantly alters pharmacokinetics with increased systemic exposure; clinical relevance unknown (Unknown)
Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
-
Clozapine
— Moderate-to-strong inducer of clozapine metabolism; may significantly reduce clozapine blood levels (High)
Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering