Evidence supporting the use of: Szechuan lovage
For the health condition: Angina

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Synopsis

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

Ligusticum wallichii (commonly known as Chuanxiong or Szechuan lovage rhizome) has a long-standing place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for managing cardiovascular conditions, including angina pectoris. According to TCM principles, Ligusticum wallichii is believed to invigorate blood circulation and dispel blood stasis, both thought to be underlying causes of chest pain related to angina. The herb is frequently included in classical formulas such as “Xuefu Zhuyu Tang,” which is used to treat chest discomfort and heart pain.

Modern pharmacological studies have begun to explore the mechanisms behind these traditional uses. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts from Ligusticum wallichii can dilate blood vessels, reduce platelet aggregation, and improve microcirculation, which may theoretically alleviate angina symptoms. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and most evidence remains preclinical or based on small-scale clinical observations.

In summary, the use of Ligusticum wallichii for angina is primarily justified by historical and traditional use, with some preliminary pharmacological support. However, rigorous scientific validation in the form of large, well-designed clinical trials is currently lacking, so the evidence is rated as moderate (2 out of 5) and should be interpreted with caution.

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