SupplementPreliminary evidenceImmunity

Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

TCM 'Blood-invigorating' root used in cardiovascular preparations, substantial preclinical literature; preliminary clinical evidence in ischaemic heart disease.

Why

Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza, Chinese sage) is widely used in TCM and Chinese hospital practice for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular indications. Compound Danshen Dripping Pill is the most-studied combination, with Chinese hospital trials in angina pectoris and ischaemic heart disease. Western RCT evidence remains preliminary; mostly Chinese trials in non-tier-1 journals. No Cochrane review, no EMA monograph.

How it works

Tanshinones and salvianolic acids modulate platelet aggregation, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and ischaemic-reperfusion injury markers. Significant CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 modulation, drug interaction profile is meaningful.

Expected onset · Cardiovascular endpoints assessed in clinical-context trials over weeks-months

How to take

Dosage

Compound Danshen Dripping Pill: 270 mg three times daily in clinical use. Monoextract dose: 1–4 g dried root daily.

Timing

Divided 2–3 times daily

On the label

Compound Danshen Dripping Pill is the most-studied form. Stated tanshinone IIA and salvianolic acid B content. Quality-tested for heavy metals.

Ideal for

Adults with cardiovascular conditions exploring TCM-rooted options under specialist supervision; cardiovascular self-management is not appropriate.

Safety

Significant warfarin interaction (potentiates INR, multiple case reports including bleeding). Antiplatelet effect. Caution with all anticoagulants and antiplatelets; stop 2 weeks before surgery. CYP3A4/CYP2C9 modulation, interactions with statins, calcium channel blockers, midazolam, others. Pregnancy: avoid. Cardiovascular use must be specialist-supervised; not for self-management.

Check interactions with my medications

Evidence

At a glance

Wu 2008 meta-analysis of Compound Danshen for angina (mostly Chinese RCTs, n>4,000): reductions in angina frequency and severity vs placebo and nitrate comparators, Western RCT replication remains limited. Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.

Limitations

Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.

Where to get it

Shop Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) on Amazon

Sponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.