Evidence supporting the use of: Ligustilide
For the health condition: Migraine

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Synopsis

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

Ligustilide is a phthalide compound found primarily in the roots of Angelica sinensis (Dong quai) and Ligusticum chuanxiong, both of which are prominent herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The use of these herbs for treating migraine and other headache disorders is well-documented in traditional medical texts. In TCM, these herbs are believed to promote blood circulation and relieve pain, which are considered relevant mechanisms in the traditional framework for managing migraine symptoms. Ligustilide, as one of the major active components, is thought to contribute to these effects, although the attribution is based more on the use of the whole herb than the isolated compound.

Scientific evidence for ligustilide’s efficacy specifically in migraine is limited. Some preclinical studies suggest that ligustilide has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties, which could theoretically be beneficial for migraines. However, robust clinical trials in humans evaluating ligustilide (or even Angelica/Ligusticum extracts standardized to ligustilide) for migraine are lacking. Thus, the use of ligustilide for migraine is primarily justified by tradition, and the evidence supporting this use is weak to moderate, mostly extrapolated from the broader use of the parent herbs in traditional practice, rather than direct scientific validation.

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