Ligusticum sinense (Ligusticum sinense): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ligusticum sinense work to relieve headaches?

Ligusticum sinense contains active compounds including ligustilide, cnidilide, neocnidilide, phthalides, and ferulic acid. These constituents exhibit anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and analgesic properties that help alleviate headache pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb dispels wind-cold and unblocks meridian channels, specifically targeting pain at the vertex (top of head). The phthalides appear to modulate vascular tone and reduce inflammation in affected areas. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use data).

Can I take Ligusticum sinense while pregnant?

No, Ligusticum sinense is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb has blood-moving properties that may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially endanger the pregnancy. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies this herb as unsafe for pregnant women. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, consult a qualified healthcare provider or licensed acupuncturist for safe alternative treatments for headaches or pain management.

What is the recommended dosage for Ligusticum sinense?

The standard adult dosage for Ligusticum sinense is 3-9 grams of dried root daily, typically prepared as a decoction. For standardized extracts, approximately 300mg daily is commonly used. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation, condition being treated, and individual factors. Always follow the guidance of a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider, as higher doses may increase the risk of adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or dizziness.

Does Ligusticum sinense interact with any medications?

Ligusticum sinense may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to its blood-activating properties. The herb's potential effects on blood circulation could theoretically enhance the effects of blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. Limited clinical interaction data exists, so patients taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or medications affecting blood pressure should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on pharmacological properties).

What conditions does Ligusticum sinense treat in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Ligusticum sinense is primarily used in TCM to treat wind-cold headaches, particularly those localized at the vertex or top of the head. It is commonly paired with Notopterygium for enhanced therapeutic effect. Additional indications include neck pain, arthralgia (joint pain), and rhinitis. The herb is contraindicated for headaches caused by yin deficiency with heat, as its warming properties may worsen such conditions. Evidence level: C (traditional use and limited clinical data).

What side effects can Ligusticum sinense cause?

Reported side effects of Ligusticum sinense include gastrointestinal upset and dizziness, particularly at higher doses or in sensitive individuals. The herb should not be used by those with yin deficiency heat headaches, as it may exacerbate symptoms. As with many medicinal herbs, individual reactions vary. Discontinue use if adverse effects occur and consult a healthcare provider. Long-term safety data is limited, so extended use should be supervised by a qualified practitioner.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Ligusticum sinense is a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for analgesia and anti-inflammatory purposes [PMID:35734262, 38163554].

Background

Ligusticum sinense (also known as Gao-ben) is a species of the Apiaceae family [PMID:34208936, 35734262]. It is recognized in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, with its rhizomes and roots collectively referred to as Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix (LReR) [PMID:38163554].

Traditional uses

Traditionally employed for dispelling wind and cold, eliminating dampness, alleviating pain, and treating toothache [PMID:33458101, 38163554]. It has also been used as a cosmetic for skin whitening and hydrating in ancient China [PMID:30545008].

Active compounds

The plant contains various phthalides, including senkyunolide I, senkyunolide A, N-butylphthalide, neocnidilide, Z-ligustilide, and butenyl phthalide [PMID:40911991, 33888111, 39929625]. Other isolated compounds include chaxiongnolides A-G and 5-[3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)allyl]ferulic acid [PMID:24773126, 31100437, 30545008].

Mechanism of action

Senkyunolide I alleviates allergic rhinitis by inhibiting JAK1/3-STAT3/6 and JNK signalings [PMID:40911991]. Certain phthalides from the rhizomes inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-treated RAW264.7 macrophages [PMID:33515648, 39929625].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DAllergic Rhinitis

Oral administration of senkyunolide I significantly alleviated OVA/Al(OH)3-induced allergic rhinitis in mice [PMID:40911991]

Evidence DIschemic Stroke

Volatile oil of Chaxiong (VOC) and extracellular vesicles (CXEVs) showed anti-ischemic stroke effects and improved motor coordination in rat and mouse models [PMID:36364473, 41610696]

Evidence DInflammation

Methanol extracts of L. sinense significantly reduced toe swelling rate and levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 in carrageenin-induced rat inflammation [PMID:35851123]

Evidence AMosquito Repellency

L. sinense extract demonstrated high repellency against Anopheles, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus [PMID:31864359, 34208936, 26249666]

Evidence DHyperpigmentation

Compound 1 and (3S,3aR)-neocnidilide from the rhizoma exhibited antimelanogenesis activities in B16-F10 melanoma cells in vitro [PMID:30545008]

Safety & adverse effects

A nanoemulsion gel of L. sinense hexane extract revealed no potential irritant in 30 human volunteers [PMID:34208936]. However, the plant has a high ability to accumulate cadmium (Cd) from soil, which may affect the safety and quality of the medicine [PMID:38394901, 39400641].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (mice/rats), and one systematic review regarding insect repellency. There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 40350959 (2025) — [Textual research on Fuxiong]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
2.PMID: 40911991 (2025) — Senkyunolide I alleviates allergic rhinitis by inhibiting JAK1/3-STAT3/6 and JNK signalings. · International immunopharmacology
3.PMID: 24456660 (2014) — Bioactive phthalides from Ligusticum sinense Oliv cv. Chaxiong. · Fitoterapia
4.PMID: 24773126 (2014) — New dimeric phthalides from Ligusticum sinense Oliv cv. Chaxiong. · Journal of Asian natural products research
5.PMID: 35734262 (2022) — Molecular Structure and Phylogenetic Analyses of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Three Medicinal Plants Conioselinum vaginatum, Ligusticum sinense, and Ligusticum jeholense. · Frontiers in plant science

Ligusticum sinense

Sources & Citations

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