Objective To assess the effect of Dengzhanhua Injection for angina pectoris. Methods We performed an electronic search for MEDLINE (1966 to 2004), EMBASE (1974 to 2004), The Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2004), CBM and CNKI (1980 to 2004). We included randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality of those trials and performed the meta-analysis by RevMan 4.2.7. Results Eight trials were included involving 634 patients. However, they were of poor quality. The results of meta-analysis indicated that there were statistical difference on symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG) improvements between Dengzhanhua and control group (Breviscarpine≥30 mg) with RR 1.26, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.44 and RR 1.30, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.49, respectively. However, Dengzhanhua Injection (Breviscarpinelt;30 mg) vs. basic therapy showed no statistical difference in either symptom improvement (RR 1.03, 95%CI was 0.90 to 1.18) or ECG improvement (RR 1.01, 95%CI 0.86 to 1.20). In addition, Dengzhanhua decreased the myocardial infarction attacks in one year following up (OR 0.06, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.29). Conclusions Little evidence shows that Dengzhanhua is superior to simple basic therapy in the symptoms and ECG improvements as an auxiliary drug. However, this systematic review can not draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of Dengzhanhua Injection compared to simple basic therapy in the treatment of angina pectoris due to the poor quantity of included trials.