Angelica sinensis

dong quai

(don kwi) ,

Angelica sinensis

(trade name),

Chinese Angelica

(trade name),

Dang Gui

(trade name),

Danggui

(trade name),

Don Quai

(trade name),

Ligustilides

(trade name),

Phytoestrogen

(trade name),

Radix angelicae gigantis

(trade name),

Tang Kuei

(trade name),

Tan Kue Bai Zhi

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: none assigned

Premenstrual syndromeVarious uses as a blood purifierTopically in combination with other ingredients for premature ejaculation

Action

May have vasodilating and antispasmodic properties.

Binds to estrogen receptors.

Therapeutic effects

Improved ejaculatory latency.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Allergy to carrot, celery, mugwort or other members of the Apiaceae family; Obstetric: Pregnancy and lactation.

Use Cautiously in: Hormone sensitive cancers and conditions (may exacerbate effects or stimulate growth of cancer cells); Protein S deficiency (↑ risk for thrombosis); Surgery (discontinue 2 weeks prior to procedure).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Dermatologic

• photosensitivity

Gastrointestinal

• diarrhea

Miscellaneous

• Some constituents are carcinogenic and mutagenic

Interactions

Alcohol -containing preparations may interact with disulfiram and metronidazole.Use of dong quai with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, thrombolytics, NSAIDs, some cephalosporins, and valproates may increase risk of bleeding. Herbs with antiplatelet or anticoagulant properties may increase bleeding risk when combined with dong quai including:angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, panax ginseng, and willow.

Oral (Adults) Bulk herb—3–4.5 g per day in divided doses with meals; Extract—1 ml (20–40 drops) three times daily.

Availability

Bulk herb: ^OTC

Extract: ^OTC

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Assess pain and menstrual patterns prior to and following menstrual cycle to determine effectiveness of this herbal supplement.
• Assess for pregnancy prior to recommending use of the herbal supplement and warn women not to take this herb if pregnancy is planned or suspected.
• Assess for history of hormone sensitive cancers or conditions and warn against use.
• Assess medication profile including prescription and over the counter use of products such as aspirin and ibuprofen based products to treat menstrual pain.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Acute pain (Indications)
Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)

Implementation

• Take with meals.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Warn patients not to take this medication if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Inform patients to avoid use of aspirin or other NSAIDs concurrently because of the risk of bleeding.
• Notify patients that there are no studies supporting the use of this herbal supplement for treatment of menopausal symptoms.
• Tell patients to consult their health care professional if taking prescription medications before taking Dong Quai.
• Discontinue the herbal supplement if diarrhea or excessive bleeding occurs and contact a health care provider if symptoms do not resolve.
• Instruct patients that photosensitivity may occur and to wear sun screen and protective clothing if sun exposure is anticipated.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Reduction in menstrual pain and cramping and regular periods with normal flow.

A fragrant perennial herb, the root of which is analgesic, sedative, and an immune stimulant; it has been used for abscesses and sores, anaemia, arrhythmias, cancer, dysmenorrhoea, headaches, loss of appetite, menstrual dysfunction, PMS, post-traumatic and post-surgical pain, blurred vision
Toxicity Angelica should not be used in early pregnancy

Angelica sinensis

(an-jel′ĭ-kă sī-nen′sĭs) [L., Chinese angelic (plant)]

The scientific name for dong quai.