Does Angelica Sinensis (Dang-qui) Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and objecties: Angelica sinensis (Dang gui) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics and diet therapy for thousands of years. According to TCM theory, A. sinensis can be used for the treatment of breast cancer. As A. sinensis has effects on estrogen, it may have an adverse effect on the prognosis of breast cancer. This article systematically reviews the literature to explore whether breast cancer patients need to avoid taking A. sinensis . Methods: Using the search terms “breast cancer AND Dong-quai”, “breast cancer AND Angelica sinensis ”, “breast cancer AND Dang gui” and “breast cancer AND Dang qui”, relevant studies were retrieved from the PubMed database up to December 31, 2022. After excluding irrelevant and repeated studies, the papers were critically reviewed by TCM physicians, and the papers were secondly screened by the impact factor and ranking of the published journals. The included papers were classified into three groups, reporting a “positive”, “negative” or “inconclusive” effect in patients with breast cancer. Results: A total of 22 articles were identified, which included 9, 5 and 7 positive negative and inconclusive studies, respectively. The results showed that studies advocating that A. sinensis may be safely consumed by patients with breast cancer had a higher evidence hierarchy than those that did not support consumption. Conclusions: The findings implied that A. sinensis can be prescribed to patients with breast cancer in appropriate doses under TCM treatment theory.