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Limited evidenceHeart & metabolic

Ligusticum (Chuan Xiong)

A traditional Chinese root used for headache and blood flow. The trials that exist test multi-herb decoctions or an injectable isolated alkaloid, not the capsules sold as supplements.

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What the science says

  • Migraine Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis restricted to 19 higher-quality randomised trials (1832 participants) found chuanxiong-containing formulae reduced migraine frequency, duration and pain severity. Every trial tested a multi-herb formula, so the effect cannot be attributed to chuanxiong alone, and all were conducted in China.

  • Angina and blood flow Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of ligustrazine, an alkaloid derived from the herb, as adjunctive therapy for angina reported benefit, but ligustrazine was given by intravenous injection in hospital, which tells you nothing about an oral extract.

  • Stroke prevention Limited evidence

    A Cochrane review of chuanxiong preparations for preventing stroke was withdrawn rather than updated, leaving no current systematic evidence for this use.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditional decoctions use 3–10 g of dried root per day, generally within a multi-herb formula. Western capsules typically supply 500–1000 mg of extract; no dose-finding data support this.
SafetyChuanxiong has antiplatelet activity and may increase bleeding risk with warfarin, aspirin or other anticoagulants; stop before surgery. It is traditionally avoided in pregnancy and in heavy menstrual bleeding. Reported side effects include headache, dizziness and gastrointestinal upset. Quality control of imported herbs varies.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter.
With food?With food, which reduces the nausea and stomach upset some people get.
Worth knowingHeadache and dizziness are the usual signals that the dose is too high.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin and other anticoagulants

    Chuanxiong has antiplatelet activity that may add to anticoagulation and increase bleeding risk. do not combine without medical supervision

  • aspirin and other antiplatelets

    Additive antiplatelet effect. avoid, and stop at least two weeks before surgery

With other supplements

  • fish oil, garlic, ginkgo and other blood-thinning supplements

    Additive effect on platelet function. avoid stacking, especially before surgery

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does chuanxiong help migraine?

Chuanxiong has limited evidence for migraine: a meta-analysis of 19 higher-quality Chinese trials found chuanxiong-containing formulae reduced migraine frequency, duration and pain. Every trial used a multi-herb formula, so the effect cannot be attributed to chuanxiong alone.

Does ligusticum improve blood flow or angina?

The angina evidence for ligusticum (chuanxiong) comes from ligustrazine, an alkaloid of the herb given by intravenous injection in hospital, which says nothing about an oral extract. The evidence for chuanxiong capsules improving blood flow is limited.

Is chuanxiong safe with blood thinners?

Chuanxiong has antiplatelet activity and may increase bleeding risk with warfarin, aspirin or other anticoagulants, so do not combine them without medical supervision. Stop chuanxiong at least two weeks before surgery, and avoid it in pregnancy and heavy menstrual bleeding.

How much chuanxiong should I take?

Traditional decoctions use 3–10 g of dried chuanxiong root per day, usually within a multi-herb formula, while Western capsules typically supply 500–1000 mg of extract without dose-finding data. Headache and dizziness are the usual signs that the chuanxiong dose is too high.

Scientific references

Related in Heart & metabolic

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)