Ligustilides are phthalide compounds found primarily in plants of the Apiaceae family, such as Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) and Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong). These herbs have a long-standing use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where they are believed to have properties that "nourish the blood" and "regulate qi," and are commonly prescribed for conditions associated with emotional disturbances like mood swings, irritability, and sensitivity, particularly in the context of women's health and premenstrual syndromes. The use of these herbs for emotional sensitivity is thus rooted in traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation.

While TCM texts and practitioners historically attribute calming or mood-stabilizing effects to formulations containing ligustilide-rich herbs, there is little direct clinical or pharmacological evidence specifically linking ligustilides themselves to the treatment or support of emotional sensitivity. A few preclinical studies suggest that ligustilides may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, but these do not directly translate into established efficacy for mood or emotional regulation in humans. Thus, the primary basis for using ligustilides in emotional sensitivity is traditional rather than scientifically validated.