Danshen herb
Danshen is commonly used in China for the treatment of atherosclerosis-related
disorders such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Research shows it
also has immune enhancing properties.
The demonstration of beneficial
effects of salvia miltiorrhiza ( DanShen ) on ischemic diseases has revolutionized the
management of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (MI) or
stroke in Chinese society.
Experimental studies have shown that Danshen dilated coronary arteries, increased coronary
blood flow, and scavenged free radicals in ischemic diseases, so that it reduced the
cellular damage from ischemia and improved heart functions. Clinical trials also indicated
that Danshen was an effective medicine for angina pectoris, MI, and stroke.
Another herb that may have a beneficial effect on blood vessels is
Arjuna.
Danshen Chemistry
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and S. przewalskii Maxium) has tanshinones and
related terpenoids.
Danshen Research
Fifteen tanshinone analogues isolated from the chloroform extract of
Danshen roots
(Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) by chromatographic procedures were tested for their
cytotoxic activities against KB, Hela, Colo-205 and Hep-2 carcinoma cell lines. Several of
them were effective at concentrations below 1 micrograms/ml concentrations.
Water soluble extracts of the herbal plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) exhibited potent
effect against HIV-1 integrase activity in vitro and viral replication in vivo.
Danshen Interactions
Warfarin (Coumadin) — Danshen can affect hemostasis in several ways, including
inhibition of platelet aggregation, interference with the extrinsic blood coagulation,
antithrombin III-like activity, and promotion of fibrinolytic activity. Single-dose and
steady-state studies in rats indicated that danshen increased the absorption rate
constants, AUCs, maximum concentrations, and elimination half-lives, but decreased the
clearances and apparent volume of distribution of both R- and S-warfarin. Consequently,
the anticoagulant response to warfarin was exaggerated. Three cases have previously been
published reporting gross overanticoagulation and bleeding complications when patients
receiving chronic warfarin therapy also took danshen.
Danshen questions
Q. Can danshen be taken with supplement?
A. We don't see any untoward reaction that would occur.