Ligusticum Wallichii Rhizome Extract
Also known as: Ligusticum wallichii, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Chuanxiong, Szechuan lovage, Ligustrazine, Tetramethylpyrazine
Overview
Ligusticum wallichii, also known as Chuanxiong or Szechuan lovage, is a perennial herb native to China. The rhizome of this plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, primarily to promote blood circulation, alleviate pain, and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The main active compounds include tetramethylpyrazine (ligustrazine), ferulic acid, senkyunolide, myricanone, and sitosterol, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Modern research is exploring its potential benefits in conditions such as myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Ligusticum wallichii is available in various forms, including extracts, powders, and as a component of herbal formulations. While research shows promise, particularly in animal models, more large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Ligusticum wallichii, particularly its active component ligustrazine, has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in cardiovascular health. Animal studies show a significant reduction in atherosclerotic lesion area (up to 50% in some studies), along with improvements in lipid profiles, including lowered total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and LDL-C, and increased HDL-C. In models of myocardial infarction, pretreatment with Ligusticum wallichii protects myocardial cells from oxidative stress and reduces myocardial fibrosis, leading to statistically significant improvements in cardiac function (p < 0.05). Preclinical studies also consistently report anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects. While most evidence is derived from animal models, limited human data suggest potential benefits in cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. Further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans and to determine optimal dosages and treatment durations.
How it works
Ligusticum wallichii exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways, primarily modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Key molecular targets include EGFR, STAT3, and SRC, which are involved in cell signaling and inflammatory responses. The active components interact with the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems, as well as affecting pulmonary and peripheral vascular health. Ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine), a major active compound, is well-absorbed orally, allowing it to readily enter the bloodstream and exert its effects on target tissues. By targeting these pathways, Ligusticum wallichii helps to protect against cardiovascular damage, reduce inflammation, and prevent fibrosis in various tissues.
Side effects
Ligusticum wallichii is generally well-tolerated in both animal and limited human studies, with no significant toxicity reported at therapeutic doses. Common side effects have not been reported in available studies. Uncommon side effects, such as mild gastrointestinal discomfort, have been noted in some human studies, but these are not consistently reported. Rare side effects are not documented in the current literature. Due to its blood circulation-promoting effects, Ligusticum wallichii may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, increasing the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised when used in combination with these medications. It is contraindicated in individuals with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy. Limited data are available on the use of Ligusticum wallichii during pregnancy, lactation, or in children, and its use is not recommended in these populations without medical supervision.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for Ligusticum wallichii in humans are not clearly defined. Most clinical studies use doses extrapolated from traditional use or animal data. In animal models, effective doses of ligustrazine range from 20–200 mg/kg/day; however, human equivalent doses are not well-established. Typically, it is administered daily, with durations ranging from 20 days to 12 weeks in animal studies. Both oral and injectable forms are used, with oral administration being the most common for supplementation. Ligustrazine is well-absorbed orally. The maximum safe dose has not been established, but no toxicity has been reported at therapeutic doses in animal studies. Due to limited human data, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use.
FAQs
Is Ligusticum wallichii safe?
Ligusticum wallichii is generally considered safe based on animal and limited human studies. However, caution is advised when used with anticoagulants due to its blood-thinning effects. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
How long does it take to see results?
In animal studies, benefits are observed after 20 days to 12 weeks of treatment. Human studies are limited, but it's reasonable to expect that effects may take several weeks to manifest with consistent daily oral administration.
What are the primary uses of Ligusticum wallichii?
Traditionally, it's used to promote blood circulation and alleviate pain. Modern research focuses on its potential in cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, such as myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Can Ligusticum wallichii replace conventional cardiovascular therapy?
No, Ligusticum wallichii should not be considered a substitute for conventional cardiovascular therapy. Evidence is stronger in preclinical settings, and its use should be guided by healthcare professionals in conjunction with standard treatments.
What is the best way to take Ligusticum wallichii?
Oral administration is the most common form for supplementation. Follow the dosage recommendations provided by a healthcare professional or as indicated on the product label, considering that human data is limited.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7665923/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs suggests that ligustrazine shows potential efficacy in improving lung function and reducing fibrosis in IPF patients, with a favorable safety profile. The study acknowledges heterogeneity in study design and small sample sizes as limitations, rating the quality of evidence as moderate.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11750949/ – This study uses network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the cardioprotective mechanisms of Ligusticum wallichii on myocardial infarction in mice. The findings indicate that active components protect myocardial cells, reduce fibrosis and oxidative stress, and improve cardiac function without toxicity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
- https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021288874 – This systematic review protocol outlines the planned investigation into the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal medicine, specifically including Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), for treating or preventing post-stroke cognitive impairment. The review aims to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials to assess the impact of TCM herbal medicine on cognitive outcomes after stroke.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0267968 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies in animal models (rats, rabbits) found that tetramethylpyrazine (ligustrazine) significantly reduces atherosclerotic lesion area and improves lipid profiles. While the evidence is strong for preclinical models, the authors note that human trials are needed to confirm these findings.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.832673/full – This review discusses the protective effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a main bioactive component of *Ligusticum wallichii*, against vascular dementia (VaD). It highlights TMP's ability to improve cognitive function, protect the blood-brain barrier, and modulate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in VaD models, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for VaD.