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Ligusticum chuanxiong and Its Decoctions: Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Action on Stroke

Authors Yang, Cindy L. H.; Or, Terry C. T.; Lau, Jonathan S. H.; Lau, Allan S. Y.

Journal RECENT TRENDS IN MEDICINAL PLANTS RESEARCH , 2012,:62

DOI 10.1016/B978-0-12-394591-4.00006-4

Abstract Stroke is not only one of the leading causes of mortality but also associated with long-term morbidity worldwide. Due to the adverse side effects and short therapeutic window of current drugs, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is getting more popular to treat stroke-related diseases. In this review, we will summarize recent publications of pharmacological effects of several medicinal decoctions containing Ligusticum chuan-xiong (LCX) and its active ingredients on cerebrovascular diseases. TCM decoctions, consisting of different component herbs, have been used clinically for more than thousands of years in China. LCX, commonly found in these decoctions, is traditionally used to invigorate blood circulation and promote the flow of Qi according to the practice of TCM. Qi may be interpreted as vital energy in Chinese medicine. However, recent biomedical researches showed that LCX had anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and angiogenic effects. Its main ingredients including tetramethylpyrazine, Z-ligustilide and ferulic acid have been proposed to be responsible for the bioactivities of LCX. By applying modern science and technology, the efficacy of the formulae can be proven by studying their active ingredients and also determine the mechanisms of action. All these research findings will help botanical medicine to be recognized by the public.

Species covered 川芎 Ligusticum chuanxiong