Evidence supporting the use of: Ligusticum
For the health condition: Cold Sores

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Synopsis

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

Ligusticum, particularly species such as Ligusticum porteri (Osha root) and Ligusticum sinense, has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine for treating a variety of respiratory and viral infections, including cold sores (herpes labialis). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilizes Ligusticum (often referred to as "Gao Ben") to expel wind and alleviate symptoms associated with viral infections. Similarly, in North American indigenous and folk herbalism, Osha root has been used as an antiviral and immune-supportive herb.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting Ligusticum’s efficacy specifically for cold sores (caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, HSV-1) is limited. Some in vitro studies suggest Ligusticum species contain compounds (such as phthalides and ferulic acid) with general antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, but these studies are not specific to HSV-1 or cold sores in humans. Thus, the use of Ligusticum for cold sores is justified primarily by traditional usage and not by strong clinical evidence or targeted research. The overall evidence rating is 2, reflecting a weak but present traditional rationale and some preliminary antiviral activity noted in laboratory research, but a lack of robust scientific validation.

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