Synopsis

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

Phthalides are a class of compounds found in certain plants, most notably in celery (Apium graveolens) and Ligusticum species (such as Ligusticum chuanxiong, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb). The use of phthalides, particularly from Ligusticum chuanxiong (also known as Chuanxiong or Szechuan lovage), for the treatment or support of arteriosclerosis is primarily rooted in traditional medicine, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, Chuanxiong is used to "invigorate blood circulation" and "expel wind," and is commonly prescribed for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which may include conditions related to arteriosclerosis.

While there are some preclinical studies suggesting that phthalides (notably ligustilide, the main phthalide in Chuanxiong) have vasodilatory, antiplatelet, and antioxidant properties, direct clinical evidence supporting their efficacy specifically for arteriosclerosis in humans is limited. Most supporting data come from traditional usage and animal or in vitro studies demonstrating potential mechanisms that could theoretically benefit vascular health. Therefore, the justification for using phthalides to support arteriosclerosis is primarily traditional, with only modest supporting evidence from preclinical research and a lack of solid clinical trials. As a result, the evidence is rated as 2 out of 5.

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