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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Alpha Lipoic Acid and Dong Quai are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
13 of 14 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
4 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both Alpha Lipoic Acid and Dong Quai have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
300-600mg
On empty stomach for best absorption, 30-60 minutes before meals
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) — the natural form
500-1500mg dried root extract daily
Divided doses with meals, Traditional use often stops during menstruation
Standardized extract
4-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-3 cycles
2-3 cycles
4-8 weeks
Ongoing
Effects of Oral Alpha-Lipoic Acid Treatment on Diabetic Polyneuropathy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=1242
ALA treatment produced favorable results for TSS (a dose-related trend was observed), NDS, and the global satisfaction score.
Effects of selected dietary supplements on migraine prophylaxis: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology (2025) · Meta analysis
In adults, compared with placebo, these supplements did not significantly affect other outcomes, and omega-3 supplementation did not yield a statistically significant reduction in any of these outcomes.
The Effect of Dietary Supplements on Male Infertility in Terms of Pregnancy, Live Birth, and Sperm Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2025) · Meta analysis · n=50
This study found no convincing evidence of an effect of any dietary supplements on male infertility.
Treatment of chronic urticaria with traditional Chinese medicine: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and medication regularity
Medicine (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1192
TCM has great advantages in the treatment of CU, can effectively improve the symptoms, the curative effect is stable and safe, but there are still some deficiencies in the standardization of curative effect evaluation.
A review of traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of glioblastoma
Bioscience trends (2020) · Systematic review
Although the current treatment is multimodal, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, it does not significantly improve survival time.
Z-ligustilide: A review of its pharmacokinetics and pharmacology
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020) · Systematic review
New evidence suggests that Z-ligustilide has a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant as well as neuroprotective activities and so on.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing dose-related trends for TSS improvement. 600mg/day most studied dose with significant benefit vs placebo in 73% of studies. Limited data on doses above 600mg.
Evidence limited to one small RCT (n=120) in cervical spondylosis patients using combination therapy. Effects on menstrual regulation are largely traditional use claims without direct study validation. Meta-analysis on amenorrhea treatment showed 91% effectiveness but used combination TCM formulas, not isolated dong quai.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both Alpha Lipoic Acid and Dong Quai are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For fertility support, Alpha Lipoic Acid has a higher relevance score (85 vs 80).
No known interactions between Alpha Lipoic Acid and Dong Quai have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.