Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ligustilide is a phthalide compound found predominantly in Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) and Ligusticum chuanxiong, both of which are widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The use of these herbs, and by extension ligustilide, to support cardiovascular conditions—including angina—derives primarily from TCM tradition. Historical texts and clinical practice in China have long attributed "blood-invigorating" and "stasis-resolving" properties to these herbs, with the goal of improving circulation and alleviating chest pain (a key symptom of angina).

Preclinical studies have investigated ligustilide’s vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which theoretically could benefit angina by improving coronary blood flow. However, these studies are mostly in vitro or in animal models, not in human clinical trials. There is a lack of robust, high-quality clinical evidence specifically demonstrating ligustilide’s efficacy for angina in humans. The use of ligustilide-containing herbs for angina is thus primarily justified by traditional use and mechanistic plausibility, rather than modern scientific validation.

In summary, ligustilide is traditionally used for angina as part of herbal formulas in TCM, with a modest level of supporting evidence from basic research, but there is insufficient clinical evidence to strongly support its use for this indication by modern medical standards.

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