Lingustilides

PhytochemicalPhthalideBest with a meal

What is it

Ligustilides (often spelled 'lingustilides') are a group of phthalide compounds found in dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and related Apiaceae plants, including lovage and Ligusticum species. Z-ligustilide is the most abundant member.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Vascular and smooth muscle effects (research stage)

Mixed Evidence

Ligustilides show vasodilatory and anti-platelet effects in laboratory studies. Direct human clinical trials of purified ligustilides are lacking.

How it works

Ligustilides have vasodilatory, anti-platelet, and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and animal studies. They have been studied for cerebrovascular protection and analgesic effects on smooth muscle. In traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai (which contains ligustilides) is used for menstrual complaints and blood circulation. Direct human RCTs of isolated ligustilides are limited; most evidence comes from whole-herb extracts.

Dosage

No standardized dose for isolated ligustilides. As a marker compound in herbal extracts, dosing follows the whole-herb product label.

When and how to take it

Follow the source product (typically dong quai or related extract) instructions. Often taken with meals.

1 commercial form

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Z-ligustilide (in herbal extracts)

Marker compound in dong quai and related extracts.

Lipophilic; absorbed orally but rapidly metabolized

Safety

As components of long-used culinary and medicinal plants, ligustilides have a long history of dietary exposure. Concentrated extracts of dong quai have been reported to have mild side effects including photosensitivity and rare allergic reactions.

Who should be cautious

Avoid concentrated dong quai products in pregnancy and during heavy menstruation. People on warfarin or antiplatelet drugs should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Dong quai (containing ligustilides) may have additive effects with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs because of anti-platelet activity.

Food sources

Lovage and celery family vegetables

Amount
trace
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are ligustilides the same as dong quai?⌄

Ligustilides are some of the active compounds in dong quai (Angelica sinensis). Dong quai also contains many other compounds.

Should ligustilides be taken alone?⌄

They are usually consumed as part of whole-herb extracts rather than as isolated compounds.

References

Lingustilides on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Lingustilides (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.