Synopsis

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

Phthalide compounds, particularly ligustilide, are found in plants such as Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries to treat headaches, including tension-type headaches. The use of phthalide-containing herbs is deeply rooted in TCM practices, often as part of herbal formulas like “Chuanxiong Cha Tiao San” and “Danggui Shaoyao San,” which are prescribed for headache relief and to “move blood” and alleviate pain. However, direct scientific validation of isolated phthalide compounds for tension headache is limited. Some preclinical studies suggest that ligustilide and related phthalides may have vasodilatory and neuroprotective effects, which could theoretically contribute to headache relief. Yet, robust clinical trials in humans investigating phthalides alone for tension headache are lacking. Therefore, while the traditional use is well-established and there are some preliminary mechanistic insights, high-quality scientific evidence supporting the specific use of phthalide for tension headache is weak. The evidence rating reflects the reliance on traditional use with limited supportive science.

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