Salvia Miltiorrhiza
Also known as: Danshen, Chinese Sage, Red Sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza
Overview
Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Danshen, is a widely recognized herbal supplement derived from the roots of the plant. This supplement is primarily utilized within traditional Chinese medicine for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, characterized by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research surrounding *Salvia miltiorrhiza* has grown, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicating potential health benefits, particularly in conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, while there is a moderate volume of research available, not all studies meet high methodological standards, resulting in variability in evidence quality. The supplement is available in various forms, including oral extracts and injections, and it plays an integral role in various traditional medicinal formulations.
Benefits
1. Cardiovascular Health: *Salvia miltiorrhiza* has shown evidence suggesting improvements in cardiovascular health metrics, including reduced blood pressure and improved lipid profiles. Evidence remains inconclusive without specific study details. 2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): In a meta-analysis, *Salvia miltiorrhiza* was found effective in lowering serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, with significant statistical results indicating potential CKD management benefits (SMD -0.60 and -0.66, *P* < 0.0001). 3. Endometriosis: Research indicates that when combined with GnRH agonists, *Salvia miltiorrhiza*-integrating treatments significantly reduced postoperative endometriosis recurrence rates (RR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16–0.48). 4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Studies show that extracts from *Salvia miltiorrhiza* enhance pregnancy rates and improve fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in PCOS patients (RR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.06 to 6.39). The evidence quality varies, generally favoring the use of *Salvia miltiorrhiza* in CKD and PCOS populations.
How it works
The beneficial effects of *Salvia miltiorrhiza* are attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which play a role in vascular health. It appears to enhance vascular smooth muscle relaxation, directly influencing cardiovascular function. This herb's components may modulate biological pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to improved outcomes across renal, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. However, specific molecular targets and detailed mechanisms remain under-researched.
Side effects
*Salvia miltiorrhiza* is generally regarded as safe with minimal adverse effects recorded in studies. Common side effects are rare, while uncommon and rare side effects remain unreported. Caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to potential interactions from its antiplatelet properties. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding where there is inadequate safety data. Special populations, particularly those with bleeding disorders, should exercise caution when considering this supplement.
Dosage
There is no well-established minimum effective dose for *Salvia miltiorrhiza*. Optimal dosages can vary widely, as the supplement is often used within mixed traditional Chinese medicine formulations. Maximum safe doses are not clearly defined, and specific dosage recommendations depend largely on the intended health benefits. Forms such as injections or oral extracts are common, but specific recommendations regarding timing, absorption, and cofactors are not detailed.
FAQs
Is *Salvia miltiorrhiza* safe to use?
Yes, *Salvia miltiorrhiza* is generally considered safe but may interact with certain medications, particularly anticoagulants.
What conditions can *Salvia miltiorrhiza* help with?
*Salvia miltiorrhiza* is beneficial for cardiovascular health, chronic kidney disease, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
How soon can I expect results?
Improvements may be observed within months of consistent usage, varying by individual condition and adherence.
Can I take it with other medications?
Consult a healthcare provider, as *Salvia miltiorrhiza* may interact with anticoagulants and other treatments.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35747383/ – This meta-analysis covered 2264 participants and demonstrated significant improvement in kidney function markers for individuals with chronic kidney disease due to *Salvia miltiorrhiza*, though the quality of evidence is moderated by methodological limitations.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31277186/ – The systematic review examined 836 patients and reported reduced recurrence rates of endometriosis after treatment with *Salvia miltiorrhiza*, suggesting potential efficacy but noted limitations due to the study's duration.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.831850/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis highlighted improvements in metabolic and reproductive outcomes in a PCOS patient population using *Salvia miltiorrhiza*. However, limitations were noted regarding sample sizes and duration.
