Background
- Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), often in combination with other herbs. Remedies containing danshen are used traditionally to treat a diversity of ailments, particularly cardiac (heart) and vascular (blood vessel) disorders such as atherosclerosis ("hardening" of the arteries with cholesterol plaques) or blood clotting abnormalities.
- The ability of danshen to "thin" the blood and reduce blood clotting is well documented, although the herb's purported ability to "invigorate" the blood or improve circulation has not been demonstrated in high-quality human trials. Because danshen can inhibit platelet aggregation and has been reported to potentiate (increase) the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, it should be avoided in patients with bleeding disorders, prior to some surgical procedures, or when taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs, herbs, or supplements.
- In the mid-1980s, scientific interest was raised in danshen's possible cardiovascular benefits, particularly in patients with ischemic stroke or coronary artery disease/angina. More recent studies have focused on possible roles in liver disease (hepatitis and cirrhosis) and as an antioxidant. However, the available research in these areas largely consists of animal studies and small human trials of poor quality. Therefore, firm evidence-based conclusions are not possible at this time about the effects of danshen for any medical condition.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Brunetti G, Serra S, Vacca G, et al. IDN 5082, a standardized extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza, delays acquisition of alcohol drinking behavior in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;85(1):93-97.
View Abstract - Chan K, Chui SH, Wong DY, et al. Protective effects of Danshensu from the aqueous extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) against homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction. Life Sci 11-12-2004;75(26):3157-3171.
- Chan TY. Interaction between warfarin and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza). Ann Pharmacother 2001;35(4):501-504.
View Abstract - Cheng TO. Warfarin danshen interaction. Ann Thorac Surg 1999;67(3):894.
View Abstract - Ji X, Tan BK, Zhu YC, et al. Comparison of cardioprotective effects using ramipril and DanShen for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in rats. Life Sci 2003;73(11):1413-1426.
View Abstract - Liu F, Liu Y, Li J. [Effects of danshen on solute transport by peritoneal dialysis]. Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 1997;22(3):237-239.
View Abstract - Liu GY. Analysis of effect of composite danshen droplet pills in treatment of chronic stable angina. Hubei J Trad Chin Med 1997;19(2):33-34.
- Liu Z, Gao Sy, Deng J, et al. Analysis of effect of composite danshen droplet pills in treatment of chronic stable angina. Chin Trad Pat Med 1997;19(7):20-21.
- Lo CJ, Lin JG, Kuo JS, et al. Effect of salvia miltiorrhiza bunge on cerebral infarct in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats. Am J Chin Med 2003;31(2):191-200.
View Abstract - Mashour NH, Lin GI, Frishman WH. Herbal medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disease: clinical considerations. Arch Intern Med 1998;158(20):2225-2234.
View Abstract - Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference - Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
- Sha Q, Cheng HZ, Xie XY. Salviae miltiorrhizae composita pill for treating 47 cases of active liver cirrhosis. Chin J Integrat Trad West Med Liver Dis 1999;9(6):50.
- Vacca G, Colombo G, Brunetti G, et al. Reducing effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts on alcohol intake: influence of vehicle. Phytother Res 2003;17(5):537-541.
View Abstract - Wu B, Liu M, Zhang S. Dan Shen agents for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007;(2):CD004295.
View Abstract - Xue YP, Zhang SB, Gao T. [Observation on therapeutic effect of chronic prostatitis treated mainly by warming needle moxibustion] Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2006 May;26(5):335-6.
View Abstract