Research suggests that dong quai has limited and inconsistent evidence supporting its use for PMS relief, with available studies indicating it may be more useful as part of combination herbal formulas than as a standalone remedy. The evidence base consists primarily of narrative reviews and a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, and their findings are mixed to neutral overall — one review noted some promise for dong quai in combination products for PMS, while a systematic review found no convincing evidence that dong quai reliably addresses related hormonal symptoms. Studies indicate that rigorous clinical trial data specifically evaluating dong quai for PMS as a single ingredient remain scarce, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about its effectiveness. Reviewers across multiple publications have also flagged broader concerns about inconsistent dosing guidance and limited safety data, particularly for vulnerable populations, underscoring that the current research does not yet provide a clear picture of this herb's risks or benefits.
Citations from PubMed and preprint sources. Match score (0-100) reflects automated search ranking, not clinical appraisal.
| Title | Type | Year | Direction | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health. | Review | 2016 | — | 72 |
| Herbs of special interest to women. | Review | 2000 | Mixed | 67 |
| A systematic review of herbal medicinal products for the treatment of menopau... | Systematic review | 2003 | Neutral | 62 |