Woman holding her chest with her face contorted in pain, a graphic heart symbol lights up red above her hands, symbolizing heart pain or heart problems.

Study on Tongxinluo as a treatment for angina pectoris

Taixiang Wu et al.

October 2006

Heart / Circulatory system

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

The West China Hospital, in cooperation with the University of Manchester and two Chinese clinics, conducted a study to investigate the effect of Tongxinluo capsules on unstable angina pectoris. Tongxinluo, a traditional Chinese medicine of TCM consisting of Chinese herbs and insects, is used in some Asian countries for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

In the course of this study, numerous comparative data of Tongxinluo, placebo and conventional antianginal agents were collected and analyzed. The study did not suggest a strong supportive effect of Tongxinluo capsules on myocardial infarction or all-cause mortality, but Tongxinluo reduced the frequency of acute angina attacks, improved ECG values and angina symptoms. The researchers therefore concluded that Tongxinluo is suitable as an adjunct to conventional medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Angina pectoris, cardiovascular disease
Institution: West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chinese Cochrane Center, Chinese EBM Center, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Title: Study on Tongxinluo as a treatment for angina pectoris
Brief description: Study shows that Tongxinluo can reduce angina attacks and improve symptoms.
Original title: Tongxinluo (Tong xin luo or Tong-xin-luo) capsule for unstable angina pectoris
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17054205/