Evidence supporting the use of: Ligustilide
For the health condition: Fibrosis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ligustilide is a phthalide compound found primarily in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) and Ligusticum chuanxiong. Recent research has shown that ligustilide exhibits anti-fibrotic properties in various experimental models. Preclinical studies, particularly in rodents, demonstrate that ligustilide can attenuate fibrosis in organs such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. The proposed mechanisms include inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, reduction in inflammatory cytokine expression, and suppression of extracellular matrix deposition.
For example, a 2018 study published in Phytomedicine reported that ligustilide ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by downregulating fibrotic markers and modulating oxidative stress. Similarly, other studies suggest that ligustilide may reduce liver fibrosis by affecting hepatic stellate cell activation.
Despite these promising findings, current evidence is limited to animal and in vitro studies. There are no robust clinical trials in humans directly evaluating ligustilide as a treatment for fibrosis. Therefore, while there is scientific interest and some mechanistic rationale, the evidence base is preliminary. Further research, particularly clinical studies, is needed to determine its efficacy and safety in humans with fibrotic diseases.
Other health conditions supported by Ligustilide
Abdominal PainAlzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Cardiovascular Disease
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Fatigue
Fibrosis
Gastritis
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Migraine
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Neuralgia and Neuritis