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Dietary supplement

Dong Quai Root 550 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Dong Quai Root 550 mg is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for menopause symptoms, menstrual cramps and irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome (pms).Based on those ingredients, 163 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Dong Quai. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Dong Quai Root 550 mg by GNC Herbal Plus

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: 550 mg of Dong Quai, a plant root used in traditional herbal medicine. The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose, with cellulose also listed as an inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Dong Quai's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports women's health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dysmenorrhea, Menopausal symptoms, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual irregularities, hormonal balance.
  • The closest evidence on file: Dong Quai is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Menopausal symptoms (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Dong Quai is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Dysmenorrhea.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that dong quai works for the conditions it's marketed for — iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, migraine, and eczema all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate. That doesn't mean it has no effect; it means the research to prove benefit isn't solid enough for us to call it effective based on the data we have.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Dong Quai

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Taken by mouth, dong quai is generally well tolerated, though some people report burping and flatulence. The main cautions are that it may increase your bleeding risk and cause skin sensitivity to sunlight.

During pregnancy, safety data suggests it may not be safe — the herb can stimulate the uterus and affect bleeding. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information, so it's best avoided.

A small number of occupational exposures have triggered allergic asthma and rhinitis, and dong quai contains compounds with cancer-causing potential — though whether the amounts in typical supplements are high enough to matter over time is unknown.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Dong Quai

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Dong Quai.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 163 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take warfarin (Coumadin) or any other blood thinner — prescription or over-the-counter, including aspirin — or if you're on hormone replacement therapy, confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product. The bleeding risk with warfarin is the biggest concern.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Dong Quai Root is mainly a concern if you take blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or hormone therapy — these need a careful check with your doctor or pharmacist first. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your healthcare provider about whether this is right for you.

The effectiveness for the conditions it's marketed for isn't established in our data.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 24, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Dong Quai Root 550 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus
Barcode (UPC) 048107128579
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 24, 2016
DSLD ID 63769
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Dong Quai Root 550 mg by GNC Herbal Plus, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107128579
IngredientAmount% DV
Dong Quai550 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Cellulose

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal supplement

Formula

Supports women's health

Formulation

Vegetarian whole herb

No Sugar, no Starch, no Artificial Colors, no Artificial Flavors, Sodium free, no Wheat, no Gluten, no Corn, no Soy, no Dairy, Yeast free.

General

CODE 187238 DPG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily.

General Statements

Material verified by TLC. Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Dong Quai Root 550 mg by GNC Herbal Plus label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Dong Quai Root 550 mg by GNC Herbal Plus

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Dong Quai

Interacts with
163 drugs
550 mg per serving

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb often called "female ginseng" and is mostly used for menstrual and menopausal complaints. High-quality scienti...

Dong Quai monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Capsule, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Dong Quai Root 550 mg by GNC Herbal Plus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Dong Quai Root 550 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
163Drugs
2 Major 161 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Dong Quai 163

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Dong Quai Root 550 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Dong Quai3 drug types · 163 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with warfarin.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of dong quai with warfarin can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. In one case, after 4 weeks of taking dong quai 565 mg once or twice daily, the international normalized ratio (INR) increased to 4.9. The INR normalized 4 weeks after discontinuation of dong quai.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Animal studies suggest that dong quai has antithrombin activity and inhibits platelet aggregation due to its coumarin components. Additionally, some case reports in humans suggest that dong quai can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking 1 gram of dong quai root daily for 3 weeks does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation or cause bleeding. Until more is known, use dong quai with caution in patients taking antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, dong quai may reduce the effects of estrogens.
Dong quai has estrogenic effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of dong quai might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Dong Quai Root 550 mg, from the product label.

GNC Herbal Plus

See all GNC Herbal Plus products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Dong Quai Root 550 mg by GNC Herbal Plus: Common Questions

Does Dong Quai Root 550 mg by GNC Herbal Plus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Dong Quai Root 550 mg has a known interaction with 163 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Dong Quai Root 550 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Dong Quai if I'm on aspirin?
You should check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Dong quai may increase bleeding risk when combined with antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, though research is mixed. Your provider can weigh the benefit against the risk for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Burping and flatulence are the most common effects when taken by mouth. Some people are also sensitive to sunlight while taking it.
Is Dong Quai safe during pregnancy?
The safety data advises against it — dong quai may stimulate the uterus and affect bleeding. Talk with your doctor before using it if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
There isn't enough safety information available, so it's best avoided while breastfeeding. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on your situation.
Does Dong Quai actually work for anemia or osteoporosis?
The research we have is insufficient to say it works for these conditions — or for heart disease, migraine, or eczema. We don't hold reliable evidence that it's effective for these uses.
Is there anything else in this product besides the herb?
The capsule is made of vegetable cellulose, and cellulose is also listed as an inactive ingredient — these are the binding and encapsulation materials that hold the herb together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Dong Quai Root 550 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Dong Quai Root 550 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Dong Quai Root 550 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Dong Quai Root 550 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 19 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Dong Quai 19 references
  1. Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril 1997;68:981-6. PubMed
  2. Page RL II, Lawrence JD. Potentiation of warfarin by dong quai. Pharmacotherapy 1999;19:870-6. PubMed
  3. Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:1221-7. DOI
  4. Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.
  5. Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Available at: http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/.
  6. Amato P, Christophe S, Mellon PL. Estrogenic activity of herbs commonly used as remedies for menopausal symptoms. Menopause 2002;9:145-50. PubMed
  7. Shi M, Chang L, He G. [Stimulating action of Carthamus tinctorius L., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Leonurus sibiricus L. on the uterus]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 1995;20:173-5, 192.
  8. Hoult JR, Paya M. Pharmacological and biochemical actions of simple coumarins: natural products with therapeutic potential. Gen Pharmacol 1996;27:713-22.. PubMed
  9. Cheong JL, Bucknall R. Retinal vein thrombosis associated with a herbal phytoestrogen preparation in a susceptible patient. Postgrad Med J 2005;81:266-7.. PubMed
  10. Chang CJ, Chiu JH, Tseng LM, et al. Modulation of HER2 expression by ferulic acid on human breast cancer MCF7 cells. Eur J Clin Invest 2006;36:588-96. PubMed
  11. Chuang CH, Doyle P, Wang JD, et al. Herbal medicines used during the first trimester and major congenital malformations: an analysis of data from a pregnancy cohort study. Drug Saf 2006;29:537-48. PubMed
  12. Lau CBS, Ho TCY, Chan TWL, Kim SCF. Use of dong quai (Angelica sinensis) to treat peri- and postmenopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer: is it appropriate? Menopause 2005;12:734-40.
  13. Ellis GR, Stephens MR. Untitled (photograph and a brief case report). BMJ 1999;319:650.
  14. Nambiar, S., Schwartz, R. H., and Constantino, A. Hypertension in mother and baby linked to ingestion of Chinese herbal medicine. West J Med 1999;171(3):152.
  15. Lee, S. K., Cho, H. K., Cho, S. H., Kim, S. S., Nahm, D. H., and Park, H. S. Occupational asthma and rhinitis caused by multiple herbal agents in a pharmacist. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2001;86(4):469-474. PubMed
  16. Xu, J. and Li, G. [Observation on short-term effects of Angelica injection on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with pulmonary hypertension]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2000;20(3):187-189.
  17. Scott, G. N. and Elmer, G. W. Update on natural product--drug interactions. Am J Health Syst.Pharm 2-15-2002;59(4):339-347. PubMed
  18. Circosta, C., Pasquale, R. D., Palumbo, D. R., Samperi, S., and Occhiuto, F. Estrogenic activity of standardized extract of Angelica sinensis. Phytother.Res. 2006;20(8):665-669.
  19. Fung FY, Wong WH, Ang SK, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study on the anti-haemostatic effects of Curcuma longa, Angelica sinensis and Panax ginseng. Phytomedicine. 2017;32:88-96. PubMed

See these in context on the Dong Quai monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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