Sichuan lovage rhizome / chuanxiong (川芎)

Ligusticum chuanxiong

Chinese

Photo credit: Fumikas Sagisavas

Toxicity: Low at traditional doses.

Contraindications: Pregnancy (blood-mover); bleeding disorders; heavy menstruation.

Interactions: Additive with anticoagulants/antiplatelets (bleeding risk).

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy: blood-mover, caution.

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

powder · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Preclinical

in formula (paired with dong quai) · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Clinical

decoction · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Traditional use: invigorates blood, moves qi, expels wind, relieves pain; headache, gynecological blood-stasis pain, menstrual disorders

Proposed mechanism: ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine), ferulic acid, phthalides — vasodilation, antiplatelet, neuroprotection

Evidence:Clinical

n/a

Chinese

Sources (2)