Root of Chinese Angelica — Safety & Interactions
Dang Gui · Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — increases risk of miscarriage; blood-activating properties may stimulate uterine contractions
- Breastfeeding — avoid due to insufficient safety data
- Excessive menstrual bleeding or active hemorrhage — blood-invigorating properties worsen bleeding
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate) — estrogenic activity may worsen condition
Cautions
- Photosensitivity and photodermatitis reported; limit sun exposure during use
- GI effects: bloating, diarrhea, appetite loss
- Use cautiously in Yin deficiency with vigorous Fire or diarrhea/loose stools
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) | Additive anticoagulant effect; may increase bleeding risk and elevate PT/INR | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| CYP3A4 substrate drugs | Prolonged use induces CYP3A4 via pregnane X receptor activation, potentially reducing concentrations of substrate medications | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) | Concurrent use exacerbated anemia in animal models; clinical relevance unknown | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel) | Significantly alters pharmacokinetics with increased systemic exposure; clinical relevance unknown | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Clozapine | Moderate-to-strong inducer of clozapine metabolism; may significantly reduce clozapine blood levels | High | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before any use.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.