Synopsis

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

Ligustilides are phytochemical compounds found primarily in plants such as Ligusticum chuanxiong (Szechuan lovage) and Angelica sinensis (Dong quai), which are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The use of these plants, and by extension their ligustilide content, for the management of headache—particularly tension-type headache and migraine—has a long-standing historical basis in TCM. Herbal formulas containing Ligusticum chuanxiong, such as Chuanxiong Cha Tiao San, have been prescribed for centuries to "dispel wind" and "promote blood circulation," concepts in TCM often linked to headache relief.

From a scientific standpoint, preclinical studies have demonstrated that ligustilides possess vasodilatory, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically contribute to headache relief by improving cerebral blood flow and reducing neurogenic inflammation. However, clinical trials specifically evaluating isolated ligustilides for tension headache are lacking. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on the use of whole herbs in complex formulas, rather than pure ligustilide. Thus, while the traditional use is well-established and some plausible mechanisms are supported by animal and in vitro studies, robust clinical evidence is insufficient. The rating of 2 reflects the reliance on tradition with limited scientific validation.

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