Danshen

Common names: Danshen, Dan Shen, Tanshen, Tan-Shen, Radix Salviae miltiorrhiza, Fufang Danshen

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Danshen?

Danshen is a perennial herb that grows on sunny hillsides and stream edges. Its violet-blue flowers bloom in the summer and the leaves are oval, with finely serrated edges. The fruit is an oval brown nut. Danshen's roots, from which many of the common names are derived, are a vivid scarlet red. Danshen is related to common sage, the culinary herb.

What is Danshen used for?

Danshen is considered one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines and has widespread use in Asian countries. Traditionally, danshen has been used to improve bodily functioning, as well as to treat bleeding, abnormal menstruation, miscarriage, swelling, insomnia, and hepatitis. More recent uses include treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions.

Limited studies have shown efficacy in coronary artery disease and acute ischemic stroke, but the quality of methodology limits the validity of some findings.

What is the dosage of Danshen?

Active components in commercially available preparations vary greatly. Commonly cited dosages include the following: 10 “dripping pills” taken 3 times a day (by mouth or under the tongue), 3 Fufang Danshen tablets taken orally 3 times a day, danshen 20 mg/kg capsules. Doses of 100 mg/kg as a bolus injection have been used in children.

Is Danshen safe?

Data are lacking.

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

Danshen may interfere with laboratory digoxin plasma levels and may increase the blood thinning effect of warfarin.

Adverse reactions appear to be limited to allergy, dizziness, headache, mild GI symptoms, and reversible changes in blood cell counts.

Information is limited.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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