Use with caution. Review interactions and contraindications below.
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Liver, Gallbladder, Pericardium
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis
- Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain
- Dispels Wind and relieves headache
Secondary Actions
- Resolves Liver Qi constraint
- Dispels Wind-Damp painful obstruction in joints
- Aids postpartum recovery by clearing retained Blood
Classic Formulas
- Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San — dispels Wind and relieves Wind-type headache
- Si Wu Tang — foundational Blood-nourishing formula for Blood deficiency
- Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang — invigorates Blood and dispels stasis in the chest
- Sheng Hua Tang — addresses postpartum Blood stagnation and lochia retention
Classical References
- Li Dongyuan: 'Headaches should not go without Chuan Xiong,' reflecting its premier role in headache treatment across pattern types
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Z-Ligustilide
- Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP / Ligustrazine)
- Ferulic acid
- Senkyunolide A
- Butylidenephthalide
Studied Effects
- Comprehensive review documents cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities across chemical classes (PMID 40235541)
- Ligustilide protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by maintaining Sirt3-dependent mitochondrial homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress (PMID 39216302)
- Z-Ligustilide promotes motor ability in experimental models by alleviating oxidative stress via intestinal microvilli (PMID 41482089)
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — stimulates uterine contractions; avoid except in specialist obstetric emergencies
- Active hemorrhage or excessive bleeding unrelated to stasis
- Yin deficiency with Heat — warm, dispersing nature worsens this pattern
Cautions
- Combine with tonifying herbs when treating pure Qi or Blood deficiency
- High doses may cause dizziness or vomiting