Danshen
Other Names: Chinese Sage, Huang Ken, Radix Salvia, Red Sage, Salvia Root, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Ten Shen
Should I take it?
A small perennial that grows mostly in sunny areas, danshen is believed to have originated in the area of the Mediterranean Sea. It produces small, fuzzy, grayish leaves in the spring; blue, red, or purple flowers in summer; and brownish nut-like fruits in the fall. Because danshen belongs to the sage family of plants, its aromatic leaves are often dried and used to season meats and sauces. In some parts of the world, a tea is brewed from danshen leaves and twigs.
The medical use of danshen is concentrated in Asia, where it grows abundantly in the wild. It is also grown on farms in China and Japan. Its distinctive, bright red roots are dug up in the fall or early winter, and then dried in the sun for use in medicine.
Dosage and Administration
Note: Much of the research done with danshen has been with injected forms of the drug, which are not available in the United States.
For oral use, danshen may be available alone, but it is more commonly included with other herbals, such as Panax ginseng or hawthorn, that may have similar effects on heart function. The most common oral dosage forms of danshen when it is used alone are capsules (usually containing powdered danshen root) and extracts (concentrated liquid preparations typically made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts). Oral doses of danshen vary widely, with amounts of up to 15,000 mg (15 grams) per day suggested by some sources. However, in one clinical study of healthy individuals, danshen was given at a dose of 20 mg per kilogram of body weight. Since a kilogram is about 2 pounds, in this study a dose of danshen for a person weighing about 165 pounds was 1500 mg (1.5 grams) per day.
Summary
Danshen contains chemicals that may decrease blood clotting, cause blood vessels to relax, increase the force of heartbeats, and slow the heart rate. All these effects may help to treat heart conditions and strokes. In addition, danshen may help to prevent liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs, or diseases. It shows some antiviral and anticancer activity in laboratory studies, but all its potential uses need to be studied further.
Risks
Due to the likelihood that it may increase bleeding, danshen should not be taken by individuals who have impaired blood clotting. Small children, pregnant women, and women who are breast-feeding should avoid danshen due to uncertainty about its possible effects for developing babies and young children.
Side Effects
While no major side effects have been reported from taking danshen, some individuals who used it have experienced itching or upset stomach.
Interactions
Taking danshen may increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding while an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug or herbal is also being taken. In addition, danshen may interfere with the heart drug digoxin or herbal products that have digoxin-like effects.
Last Revised August 10, 2007
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Should I take it? 
