Evidence supporting the use of: Phthalides
For the health condition: Angina

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Phthalides, a group of compounds found primarily in plants such as Ligusticum chuanxiong (Szechuan lovage) and celery, have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for cardiovascular conditions, including angina pectoris. The traditional use is based on their reputed ability to "invigorate blood circulation" and "remove blood stasis," which are concepts in TCM related to improving heart health and alleviating chest pain.

Some pharmacological studies have indicated that certain phthalides, such as ligustilide and butylphthalide, possess vasodilatory and anti-platelet aggregation activities in vitro and in animal models. These effects could, in theory, be beneficial for angina by improving coronary blood flow and reducing clot formation. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Most available data are preclinical, with very few small-scale clinical studies, and those that exist typically involve complex herbal formulations rather than isolated phthalides.

Therefore, while there is a strong tradition behind the use of phthalide-containing herbs for angina, scientific validation is limited and not conclusive. The evidence supporting their use for angina is primarily traditional, with a low to moderate level of support from modern research (rated 2 out of 5).

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