Qiliqiangxin, a traditional Chinese remedy long used in folk medicine, has shown measurable benefits for heart health in recent evaluations. Researchers connected with a leading European cardiology society presented their findings at a major conference, highlighting renewed interest in combining traditional plant-based therapies with standard medical care for heart disease.
Qiliqiangxin is an extract derived from eleven herbs, including yarrow roots, mulberry, ginseng, and mint. Early laboratory work suggested this herbal mix could help reduce scarring of heart tissue and limit adverse remodeling that accompanies chronic heart failure and other cardiac conditions. These initial results laid the groundwork for further study of its potential clinical role.
In a large, multi-site trial, more than 3,000 adults with established heart failure who were already receiving guideline-directed therapy were enrolled. Participants were randomized to receive either the herbal extract (four capsules three times daily) in addition to their standard therapies or a placebo alongside the same baseline treatment. The study followed participants for an average of about eighteen months, until their first hospitalization or the study’s end, whichever occurred first.
Findings showed a favorable impact on cardiovascular outcomes for those taking qiliqiangxin, with fewer hospitalizations compared to the control group. This suggests the supplement may offer meaningful additional benefit when used alongside established therapies for heart failure.
Investigators described the study as a pioneering effort to evaluate a traditional Chinese medicine approach through a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial framework for chronic heart failure. The authors noted that the extract produced a clinically relevant improvement and could be considered as an adjunct to conventional regimens, while additional confirmation in diverse populations and longer follow-up is needed. These results have prompted discussion about how traditional botanical therapies might complement modern pharmacology to bolster cardiovascular resilience and patient outcomes.
When discussing diet and lifestyle factors linked to heart health, researchers and clinicians continue to emphasize balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and avoiding risk factors such as tobacco. While the precise mechanisms of qiliqiangxin require more study, its potential role as an additive support aligns with a broader trend toward integrating evidence-based complementary therapies within cardiology. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify which patient groups may benefit most, determine optimal dosing, and assess long-term safety in real-world settings.
As the field evolves, experts advocate careful interpretation of these findings within established guidelines and the context of individual patient needs. Collaboration among cardiology researchers, clinicians, and practitioners of traditional medicine is increasingly viewed as a productive path toward expanding modern treatment options while respecting cultural traditions and safety standards for herbal therapies.