Evidence supporting the use of: Lingusticum wallichii
For the health condition: PMS (general)

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Synopsis

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

Ligusticum wallichii (commonly known as Chuanxiong or Szechuan lovage) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used in East Asian medicine for a variety of gynecological conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Its use to support or treat PMS is based primarily on centuries of traditional practice rather than strong scientific validation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ligusticum wallichii is often prescribed to "invigorate blood circulation" and "dispel wind," which are thought to help alleviate symptoms such as menstrual pain, headache, and mood disturbances associated with PMS. The herb is a key component in classic TCM formulas like Si Wu Tang and Xiao Yao San, both of which are used for menstrual irregularities and PMS-related symptoms.

While some pharmacological studies have indicated that Ligusticum wallichii contains compounds (such as ligustilide) with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, direct clinical evidence specifically supporting its efficacy for PMS in humans is limited. Most available data are from animal studies or in vitro experiments, and high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, while the traditional use of Ligusticum wallichii for PMS is well established and there is some preliminary biochemical rationale, the scientific evidence base remains relatively weak, justifying a moderate evidence rating.

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