Ligusticum Chuanxiong Herb (Ligusticum chuanxiong): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Ligusticum chuanxiong work for headaches?

Ligusticum chuanxiong works through active compounds, particularly ligustilide and tetramethylpyrazine, which act as vasodilators and antispasmodics. These compounds relax blood vessels and reduce smooth muscle spasms, improving blood flow to the head. In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, it 'moves blood and qi' to relieve stagnation. Research suggests these compounds may also have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that contribute to headache relief. Evidence Level: C.

Can I take Chuanxiong with blood thinners or anticoagulants?

Ligusticum chuanxiong should not be combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. As a blood-moving herb, it may enhance the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel, potentially increasing bleeding risk. The herb contains compounds that affect blood circulation and platelet function. If you take anticoagulant medications, consult a qualified healthcare provider before using this herb. Evidence Level: Traditional/C.

What is the recommended dosage of Ligusticum chuanxiong?

The typical adult dosage of Ligusticum chuanxiong is 3-9 grams of dried root as a decoction, or approximately 300mg of standardized extract. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and condition being treated. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is often combined with other herbs rather than used alone. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified practitioner for personalized dosing. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Chuanxiong safe during pregnancy?

Ligusticum chuanxiong is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. As a blood-moving herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it stimulates blood circulation and promotes qi movement, which may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use this herb. Additionally, those with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid it due to its blood-moving properties. Evidence Level: Traditional.

What is Ligusticum chuanxiong used for in traditional medicine?

Ligusticum chuanxiong is traditionally used to promote blood circulation and relieve qi stagnation. Primary uses include treating vascular headaches, menstrual pain and irregular cycles, and supporting cardiovascular health. It is considered effective for conditions involving blood stasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern research suggests potential vasodilatory and antispasmodic effects. The herb is frequently combined with other Chinese herbs in formulations tailored to individual patterns. Evidence Level: C.

What are the side effects of Chuanxiong herb?

Ligusticum chuanxiong is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset and, paradoxically, headache when taken in excessive amounts. Overdose may cause the very symptom it is meant to treat. Those with bleeding disorders should avoid this herb due to its blood-moving properties. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and consult a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Ligusticum chuanxiong is a traditional Chinese botanical drug renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, primarily used to treat cardio-cerebral vascular diseases [PMID:40235541].

Contexte

Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (also known as Chuanxiong or Szechwan lovage rhizome) is a perennial Umbelliferae herb whose dried rhizome is used as a medicinal material [PMID:39180449, PMID:39338320]. It is widely used in traditional medicine across Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea [PMID:29486278, PMID:35173614].

Usages traditionnels

It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and treat conditions such as cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, gynecological diseases, stroke, dizziness, and insomnia [PMID:39338320, PMID:39180449, PMID:40505759, PMID:39334868].

Composés actifs

The herb contains phthalides (including Z-ligustilide and various butylphthalide derivatives), alkaloids (notably tetramethylpyrazine/ligustrazine and beta-asarone), ferulic acid derivatives, and pectic polysaccharides [PMID:29486278, PMID:35483189, PMID:32135035, PMID:29358153, PMID:35287839, PMID:40490171].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, suppression of the oxidative stress-apoptosis cycle, vasodilation, neuroprotection, and regulation of the IL-6/STAT3 axis [PMID:40442709, PMID:35483189, PMID:37300676]. Tetramethylpyrazine specifically exhibits anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis regulation, and endothelial protection [PMID:35483189].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve CCardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Widely used with reported therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases [PMID:29486278, PMID:40235541].

Preuve CCerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ligustrazine provides noticeable protection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury [PMID:26109963].

Preuve DOsteoporosis (Animal Model)

Ethanol extract (CXE) improved proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and protected ovariectomized hyperlipidemic rats from bone loss [PMID:32138532].

Preuve DAcute Pyelonephritis (Animal Model)

Extract improved renal function and alleviated inflammatory responses via the IL-6/STAT3 axis in E. coli-infected rats [PMID:37300676].

Preuve CAlzheimer's Disease

As part of the Danggui-Shaoyao-San formula, it may alleviate cognitive dysfunction in AD patients [PMID:27493835].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

The herb is reported to have high safety and low side effects [PMID:35173614]. However, the plant tends to accumulate cadmium, which may exceed the limit of 1 mg/kg stipulated by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2025 edition) [PMID:42079722].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of reviews and preclinical animal or in vitro studies (Levels C and D), with a strong focus on the pharmacological activities of its isolated compounds like tetramethylpyrazine.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40235541 (2025) — Ligusticum chuanxiong: a chemical, pharmacological and clinical review. · Frontiers in pharmacology
2.PMID: 35483189 (2022) — Tetramethylpyrazine: A review on its mechanisms and functions. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
3.PMID: 35496280 (2022) — Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking to Elucidate the Potential Mechanism of Ligusticum Chuanxiong Against Osteoarthritis. · Frontiers in pharmacology
4.PMID: 40442709 (2025) — Carbon dots derived from Ligusticum Chuanxiong mitigate cardiac injury by disrupting the harmful oxidative stress-apoptosis cycle. · Journal of nanobiotechnology
5.PMID: 29486278 (2018) — A systematic review on the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong). · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association

Ligusticum Chuanxiong Herb

Sources et citations

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