On this page
Key Facts
- Material
- Root
- Botanical source
- Angelica sinensis
- Direct human evidence
- No verified study currently linked
What Is Dang Gui?
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), known in Chinese as 当归 is the root of Angelica sinensis (Apiaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as warm in nature and sweet, pungent in flavor.
Tonifies blood, regulates menstruation, alleviates pain
Botanical description: Angelica sinensis is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family, growing 40–100 cm tall with purplish-green stems and umbels of small white flowers. The taproot is the medicinal part, harvested in late autumn after 2–3 years of cultivation. The dried root is yellowish-brown externally, with a yellowish-white cross-section showing distinct oil spots, and has a characteristic aromatic fragrance.
Traditional TCM Context
Traditional functions: Tonifies blood, regulates menstruation, alleviates pain
Traditional uses: Nourishing Blood and regulating menstruation; invigorating Blood circulation and alleviating pain; moistening the Intestines to relieve constipation. Commonly used in TCM for Blood deficiency patterns presenting with pallor, dizziness, palpitations, and menstrual irregularities. Frequently combined with Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao, and Shu Di Huang in classical Blood-nourishing formulas.
Related TCM patterns
This description reflects traditional TCM theory and is not a modern medical diagnosis or treatment claim.
What Research Applies to Dang Gui?
Ferulic acid, ligustilide, and polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis root demonstrate hematopoietic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Systematic reviews suggest potential benefits for primary dysmenorrhea, though evidence quality varies and most studies use extracts rather than raw herb.
| Research scope | Material studied | What it covers | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct Dang Gui | Angelica sinensis | No verified study linked | No verified direct human clinical studies are currently linked. |
Extract / derivative | Standardized extracts, isolated compounds | Bioactivity of concentrated or isolated compounds | Extracts and isolated compounds may not represent the whole herbal material. |
Formula-level | Complete formulas containing Dang Gui | 2 formula studies | Formula results cannot be attributed to a single ingredient. |
Preclinical | Animal models, in vitro assays | No preclinical study linked | Animal and in vitro results do not confirm human efficacy. |
Important: Research involving extracts, isolated compounds, or formulas containing Dang Gui may not apply directly to Dang Gui as a whole TCM medicinal material. Different product forms (raw herb, extract, powder, oil) may have distinct chemical profiles.
Formula-level research
- Efficacy and safety of Kami Guibi-tang in older adults with insomnia: a randomized controlled trialBMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2026
- Efficacy and safety of Kami-guibi-tang for mild cognitive impairment: a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2021
Safety Information
Safety Summary
What is known
Dang Gui is widely used in TCM and is generally well-tolerated at traditional doses. Constituents including ferulic acid, ligustilide, and coumarins may have anticoagulant and estrogenic activity in preclinical models. Published case reports note potential interactions with warfarin and other anticoagulants when combined. Long-term clinical safety data for Dang Gui as a standalone herbal material remain limited.
Special populations
- Pregnancy: No herb-specific assessment in this library
- Breastfeeding: No herb-specific assessment in this library
- Children: No herb-specific assessment in this library
- Drug interactions: Potential interactions with anticoagulants noted in case reports
What remains uncertain
- Herb-specific clinical safety data (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are not available for review.
- Drug-herb interaction data specific to Dang Gui may be lacking; most published interaction studies use extracts or isolated compounds.
Who should seek professional guidance
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescription medications, people managing chronic conditions, and anyone considering herbal products for children should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Dang Gui or any herbal product.
Platform safety boundary
TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. We do not provide dosage guidance, administration instructions, or individualized treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.
Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use has not been systematically evaluated for Dang Gui as a medicinal material. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Sources Used on This Page(2)
- 1.
Chen W, Li M, Zhang Y. Efficacy of Dang Gui for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2024.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: High
Source type: Systematic Review
- 2.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020. Monograph: Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui).
Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020Bibliographic details
Reliability: gold
Last checked: July 2026
Source type: pharmacopoeia
Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.