Sichuan Lovage (Ligusticum chuanxiong, also known as Chuanxiong) is a well-known herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has been historically used to promote blood circulation and dispel “blood stasis.” Its use for angina—chest pain typically caused by reduced blood flow to the heart—stems from TCM theory, which associates chest pain with “stagnation of blood” in the heart and vessels. Chuanxiong is frequently included in classical formulas such as Xuefu Zhuyu Tang and Dan Shen Yin, both of which are prescribed for conditions interpreted as angina or related chest discomfort in TCM.

Scientifically, in vitro and animal studies suggest that Chuanxiong contains active compounds (like ligustilide and ferulic acid) that may have vasodilatory, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory effects. Some small clinical studies (often in combination with other herbs) have suggested potential benefits in improving angina symptoms, but these studies generally lack rigorous design (randomization, blinding, adequate controls) and are not sufficient for definitive conclusions. Therefore, while there is some emerging preclinical evidence, robust scientific validation in humans is lacking.

In summary, the primary justification for using Sichuan Lovage in angina comes from traditional practices, supported by a low-to-moderate level of scientific evidence that is not yet conclusive.