Superpure Red Sage Root Extract
Also known as: Red Sage Root, Danshen, Superpure Red Sage Root Extract, Salvia miltiorrhiza
Overview
Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Red Sage Root or Danshen, is a perennial plant whose root extract is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is primarily utilized for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular and kidney-related conditions. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds, notably tanshinones (e.g., tanshinone IIA) and salvianolic acids, which are believed to confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties. It is frequently employed as a complementary therapy for chronic kidney disease (CKD), various cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including angina pectoris, and symptoms associated with endometriosis. Research on S. miltiorrhiza is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its therapeutic applications, though some studies exhibit variable quality and potential for bias.
Benefits
Red Sage Root offers several evidence-backed benefits, primarily as an adjunct therapy. For Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a meta-analysis of 32 RCTs indicated that S. miltiorrhiza extracts, when used as an adjunct, improved kidney function and delayed CKD progression without significant adverse effects. The evidence certainty was moderate to low due to potential bias, but the findings suggest a positive impact. In Cardiovascular Disease, clinical trials have shown improvements in blood viscosity, reduced platelet aggregation, and alleviation of angina symptoms. An RCT involving 125 stable angina patients demonstrated that Compound Dan Shen Dripping Pill (CDDP), containing S. miltiorrhiza, significantly increased total exercise duration by 43 seconds over placebo after four weeks (p=0.005), indicating a clinically meaningful benefit. Overall cardiovascular efficacy rates in trials have ranged from 75% to 94% for various endpoints. For Endometriosis, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that postoperative treatment with S. miltiorrhiza-containing Chinese herbal medicine combined with GnRH-a substantially reduced recurrence rates (RR ~0.22 to 0.28) compared to shorter treatments or controls. Benefits typically become apparent over weeks to months of consistent treatment, depending on the specific condition and formulation used.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Salvia miltiorrhiza are attributed to its primary bioactive compounds: tanshinones and salvianolic acids. These compounds exert potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are crucial in mitigating cellular damage and systemic inflammation. They improve microcirculation by reducing blood viscosity and inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby enhancing blood flow and preventing clot formation. At a molecular level, S. miltiorrhiza modulates endothelial function, which is vital for vascular health, and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also offers protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, a common issue in cardiovascular events. The oral bioavailability of these compounds can vary, with water-soluble derivatives like sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate designed to improve absorption and efficacy.
Side effects
Overall, Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts are generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse events. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare, but possible, side effect. While no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established, caution is strongly advised when combining S. miltiorrhiza with anticoagulant medications due to its known antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. Patients on blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before using this supplement. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been adequately studied, and therefore, its use in these populations is not recommended without medical supervision. Individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders or those undergoing surgery should also exercise caution. Comprehensive safety data for very long-term use (beyond several months) is currently limited.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Salvia miltiorrhiza vary significantly depending on the specific formulation and the condition being treated. For instance, in angina trials, Compound Dan Shen Dripping Pill (CDDP) was typically administered at 20-30 pills twice daily. Extract standardization often focuses on the content of key active compounds, such as tanshinone IIA or salvianolic acid, to ensure consistent potency. The duration of treatment observed in clinical studies ranges from as short as 4 weeks to as long as 6 months, depending on the therapeutic indication and desired outcome. Water-soluble derivatives of the active compounds are sometimes used to enhance bioavailability and potentially improve efficacy, allowing for lower effective doses or better absorption. It is crucial to follow product-specific dosing instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Is it safe long term?
Current evidence suggests good safety for several months of use, but comprehensive data on very long-term safety (beyond 6 months) is limited.
When do benefits appear?
Improvements in cardiovascular symptoms may be noticed within weeks, while benefits for kidney function and endometriosis may require several months of consistent use.
Can it be combined with other drugs?
Generally, it can be combined with most medications, but extreme caution is advised when used with blood thinners due to its antiplatelet effects.
Is it effective alone or only adjunct?
Most robust evidence supports its use as an adjunct therapy, meaning it works best when combined with conventional medical treatments.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9213127/ – This meta-analysis of 32 RCTs investigated the efficacy and safety of Salvia miltiorrhiza extracts as an adjunct therapy for chronic kidney disease (CKD). It concluded that the extracts improved kidney function and delayed CKD progression without significant adverse effects, though the evidence certainty was moderate to low due to potential bias in included studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.831850/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the use of S. miltiorrhiza-containing Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for postoperative endometriosis. It found that combining CHM with GnRH-a significantly reduced the recurrence rate of endometriosis (RR 0.22-0.28), highlighting its potential as a complementary treatment.
- https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/red-sage/ – This source summarizes an FDA Phase II RCT involving 125 stable angina patients treated with Compound Dan Shen Dripping Pill (CDDP). The trial demonstrated that CDDP improved total exercise duration by 43 seconds compared to placebo (p=0.005) after 4 weeks, indicating a clinically meaningful benefit for angina symptoms.
