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Ingredient

Dong Quai Extract

A traditional tonifying botanical that supports pelvic blood circulation, smooth muscle comfort, and female reproductive vitality.

What it is

Dong Quai Extract is prepared from the dried root of Angelica sinensis, a botanical cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine often called 'female ginseng'. Standardized supplement extracts contain volatile alkylphthalides (ligustilide and butylphthalide), ferulic acid, and water-soluble polysaccharides. Formulated alongside microencapsulated probiotic strains in Velobiotics supplements, dong quai promotes vascular circulation and smooth muscle relaxation during menstrual and menopausal transitions.

Also known as: Angelica sinensis, Female Ginseng

Key benefits

  • Promotes blood circulation to pelvic organs and eases menstrual abdominal discomfort.
  • Supports smooth vascular tissue relaxation and blood vessel tone.
  • Helps manage vasomotor menopausal symptoms when used in synergistic herbal formulations.
  • Provides antioxidant protection for female reproductive tissue health.

Amplified by probiotics

Dong Quai Extract contains bioactive alkylphthalides (Z-ligustilide), ferulic acid, and polysaccharides that undergo extensive gut microbial bioactivation. Commensal gut bacteria, fortified by live probiotic strains, cleave bound ferulate esters, increasing the release and absorption of free ferulic acid into systemic circulation. Intestinal microflora also bio-transform phthalides into bioactive metabolites that relax vascular smooth muscle and modulate uterine spasms. Furthermore, probiotic modulation of the estrobolome enhances the balanced recycling of endogenously conjugated estrogens, supporting reproductive endocrine equilibrium while reducing gut mucosal oxidative stress to optimize botanical polysaccharide uptake.

Typical dose

200–500 mg/day (standardized root extract)

The evidence

Evidence: moderate

Clinical trials evaluating Angelica sinensis demonstrate efficacy in combination formulations for alleviating hot flashes, nocturnal sweating, and menstrual cramping in women. Double-blind human studies confirm its vascular-modulating and hemorheological properties, showing improved pelvic blood flow and reduced smooth muscle spasms without abnormal endometrial stimulation. (Hirata 1997, Fertil Steril) (Kupfersztain 2003, Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol)

  1. Hirata JD, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 1997;68(6):981-986. PubMed ↗
  2. Kupfersztain C, et al. The immediate effect of natural plant extract, Angelica sinensis and Matricaria chamomilla (Climex) for the treatment of hot flushes during menopause. A preliminary report. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2003;30(4):203-206. PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Generally well tolerated; excessive intake may cause mild photosensitivity or loose stools. Avoid during pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding, or concurrently with anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin) without clinical oversight.