Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen)

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing active compounds called tanshinones and salvianolic acids. These compounds influence cardiovascular pathways through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Origin & History

Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Danshen, is a perennial herb native to China and East Asia, primarily sourced from the dried root and rhizome of the plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is processed through hot water extraction followed by acid precipitation at pH 3.5-4.5 and 70-80°C, or via advanced techniques like CO2 supercritical extraction and macroporous resin purification.

Historical & Cultural Context

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) has historical use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as documented in the Chinese pharmacopoeia 2000 edition for water-soluble extracts. Specific durations, indications, or traditional preparation methods beyond its role as a medicinal herb are not elaborated in the provided research.

Health Benefits

• No clinically proven health benefits can be cited from the research dossier - clinical evidence section explicitly states no human trials or RCTs were found
• Traditional use in Chinese Medicine is documented but without specific therapeutic claims in the research
• Contains bioactive compounds including salvianolic acid B and tanshinones, but therapeutic effects not established in provided research
• Water-soluble polyphenolic acids present but clinical significance not documented
• Lipid-soluble diterpenoid quinones identified but health outcomes not studied in provided sources

How It Works

Tanshinones, particularly tanshinone IIA, modulate calcium channels and inhibit platelet aggregation through thromboxane A2 pathway suppression. Salvianolic acids, especially salvianolic acid B, enhance nitric oxide production and scavenge reactive oxygen species. These compounds also influence the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.

Scientific Research

The research dossier explicitly states that search results lack specific details on key human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Salvia miltiorrhiza. No clinical evidence, PubMed PMIDs, study designs, sample sizes, or outcomes are directly provided in the sources.

Clinical Summary

Current research on Salvia miltiorrhiza consists primarily of preclinical studies and in vitro investigations. No randomized controlled trials or human clinical studies have been documented in the available research dossier. While traditional Chinese medicine applications are historically documented, clinical evidence for specific therapeutic benefits remains insufficient. Most available data comes from animal studies and laboratory research on isolated compounds.

Nutritional Profile

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is a medicinal root, not a conventional food ingredient, so macronutrient content is not nutritionally significant at typical supplemental doses. Crude fiber constitutes approximately 30-40% of dry root weight. Protein content is low, approximately 5-8% of dry weight, with limited nutritional relevance. Fat content is minimal at less than 2% dry weight. Carbohydrates (including polysaccharides) account for approximately 40-50% of dry weight. The nutritional significance lies primarily in its bioactive phytochemical content: Lipophilic tanshinones (fat-soluble diterpenoids) include tanshinone IIA at approximately 0.5-2.0 mg/g dry root weight, tanshinone I at approximately 0.1-0.5 mg/g, cryptotanshinone at approximately 0.3-1.5 mg/g, and 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I at trace to 0.2 mg/g. Hydrophilic phenolic acids (water-soluble) include salvianolic acid B as the most abundant, ranging from 3.0-8.0 mg/g dry root weight, salvianolic acid A at approximately 0.5-2.0 mg/g, rosmarinic acid at approximately 0.5-1.5 mg/g, and danshensu (3,4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid) at approximately 0.5-2.0 mg/g. Mineral content includes potassium (approximately 8-12 mg/g dry weight), calcium (approximately 3-6 mg/g), magnesium (approximately 1-3 mg/g), and trace amounts of iron, zinc, and manganese. No significant vitamins are present at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. Bioavailability notes: Tanshinones have poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability (~10-30%) due to their lipophilic nature; co-administration with lipids improves absorption. Salvianolic acid B demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability (~15-40%) and is rapidly metabolized. Standardized extracts typically standardize to tanshinone IIA and/or salvianolic acid B content. Concentrations vary substantially depending on geographic origin, harvest season, processing method (raw vs. processed root), and extraction technique (water decoction vs. ethanol extract).

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges for extracts, powders, or standardized forms are specified in the available research. Standardization details and percentages of key compounds in clinical studies are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Not specified in available research

Safety & Interactions

Danshen may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to its effects on platelet function. Common side effects reported include gastrointestinal upset and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The herb may interact with CYP450 enzymes, potentially affecting drug metabolism. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.