Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Ligustilides are a class of phthalide compounds found primarily in plants like Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) and Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong), which are well-known herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, these herbs have historically been used to "invigorate the blood" and "dispel wind," with some applications for respiratory complaints, including cough. The concept of "damp" cough in TCM refers to a cough accompanied by symptoms such as phlegm, chest congestion, and heaviness, often attributed to internal dampness or phlegm accumulation. While the herbs containing ligustilides are sometimes included in formulas designed for respiratory conditions, there is little direct historical documentation specifying ligustilides as the active component for cough treatment. Rather, their use is based on the broader actions of the whole herb. Modern scientific studies on ligustilides largely focus on their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and vasodilatory properties, with minimal evidence specifically supporting their use for cough or dampness-related respiratory conditions. Thus, the use of ligustilides for "cough (damp)" is justified primarily by traditional practice, and the evidence for their effectiveness in this context is limited and indirect, meriting a low evidence rating.

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