Synopsis

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

Ligusticum species, particularly Ligusticum chuanxiong (Szechuan lovage, Chuanxiong), have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for gynecological conditions, including menstrual irregularity, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. In TCM, Chuanxiong is believed to invigorate blood circulation and dispel wind, which is thought to help regulate menstruation and relieve menstrual pain. The herb is often included in classic formulas such as “Si Wu Tang” (Four Substances Decoction) that are prescribed for various menstrual disorders.

Scientific validation for these uses is limited, though some pharmacological studies suggest that extracts from Ligusticum chuanxiong may have vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically contribute to relief of menstrual symptoms. However, clinical trials directly testing Ligusticum’s efficacy for menstrual irregularity are scarce and often lack rigorous design. Most available evidence is anecdotal or derived from traditional use rather than modern clinical research.

Overall, while traditional use is well documented, especially in East Asian medicine, high-quality scientific evidence supporting Ligusticum’s effectiveness for menstrual irregularity is weak. Thus, the justification for its use for this condition is primarily traditional rather than scientific.

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