Synopsis

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

Hu Zhang (虎杖), also known as Polygonum cuspidatum or Japanese knotweed, is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Hu Zhang has been prescribed for various cardiovascular issues, including angina, based on its properties of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. The traditional rationale is rooted in ancient Chinese medical texts, where "blood stasis" is often associated with chest pain and circulatory disorders that could correspond to angina in modern medical terminology.

From a scientific perspective, Hu Zhang contains several bioactive compounds, notably resveratrol and emodin, which have demonstrated some cardiovascular protective effects in laboratory and animal studies, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties. However, robust clinical evidence in humans specifically evaluating Hu Zhang (or its extracts) for the treatment of angina pectoris is lacking. There are no high-quality randomized controlled trials directly assessing its efficacy or safety for this indication. Therefore, while its use is supported by a long history in traditional medicine, scientific validation remains limited, and recommendations for its use in angina are primarily based on tradition rather than solid clinical data.

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