Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Angina
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Coenzyme Q10 | 150 mg daily |  [3 stars] CoQ10 contributes to the heart’s energy-making mechanisms. Angina patients given CoQ10 have experienced greater ability to exercise without chest pain.
|
L-Carnitine | 1 gram two or three times per day | [3 stars] Supplementing with L-carnitine may improve heart function and ease angina symptoms. |
Arginine | 2 to 3 grams three times per day |  [2 stars] In one study, taking arginine improved the ability of angina sufferers to exercise. Detailed studies have proven that arginine works by stimulating blood vessel dilation. |
Fish Oil | Consult a doctor | [2 stars] Fish oil has been shown to reduce chest pain and the need for nitroglycerin. Taking vitamin E with fish oil may protect the oil from undergoing potentially damaging oxidation in the body. |
Hawthorn | 60 mg of an herbal extract containing 18.75% oligomeric procyanidins taken three times per day | [2 stars] Parts of the hawthorn tree contain flavonoids that may protect blood vessels from damage. Taking hawthorn extract improved heart function and exercise tolerance in angina patients in one trial. |
Magnesium | 365 mg twice per day | [2 stars] Taking magnesium may reduce the risk of exercise-induced chest pain. |
N-Acetyl Cysteine | 600 mg three times daily (under medical supervision if taking nitroglycerin) | [2 stars] Under a doctor’s supervision, supplementing with NAC may improve the effects of nitroglycerin. |
Ribose | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] In one study, men with severe coronary heart disease who took ribose were able to exercise significantly longer than those taking placebo before experiencing chest pain and before abnormalities appeared on their electrocardiogram (ECG). |
Vitamin E | 50 IU daily | [2 stars] Low levels of antioxidant vitamins in the blood, particularly vitamin E, are associated with greater rates of angina. In one study supplementing with small amounts of vitamin E had a minor benefit in people with angina. |
Bromelain | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Bromelain prevents excessive stickiness of blood platelets, which is believed to be one of the triggering factors for angina. Supplementing with it may help. |
Khella | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Khella is an African plant that contains spasm-relieving compounds, including khellin. Purified khellin was shown to be helpful in relieving angina in preliminary studies. |
Kudzu | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Kudzu is used in modern Chinese medicine as a treatment for angina. Standardized root tablets are sometimes used for angina pectoris. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.