Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceBrain & cognition

Gastrodia (Tian Ma)

A traditional Chinese rhizome used for headache and dizziness, whose main compound gastrodin has been tested for migraine. The trials exist but are small, almost all Chinese, and of low methodological quality.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Possible reduction in migraine symptoms Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of randomized trials of gastrodin for migraine reported better response rates than control treatment. The included studies were small, at high risk of bias, and mostly compared against active drugs rather than placebo.

  • Neuroprotection is preclinical Limited evidence

    Reviews of gastrodin describe anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects across cell and rodent models of neurological disease. None of this has been confirmed in controlled human studies.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseMigraine trials used gastrodin at roughly 100–300 mg per day, often by injection in Chinese hospital settings. Oral Gastrodia elata powder is traditionally taken at 3–9 g per day as a decoction; no oral dose is established for supplements.
SafetyReported adverse effects include dizziness, nausea and rash; allergic reactions have been described with injectable gastrodin. May add to the effects of sedatives and antiepileptic drugs. Avoid in pregnancy and if taking anticoagulants, given the lack of data.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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