Danshen
health benefit
salvia miltiorrhiza warfarin danshen disease research
danshen for angina
Danshen is commonly used in China for the treatment of atherosclerosis-related
disorders such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Research shows it
also has immune enhancing properties.
The demonstration of beneficial
effects of salvia miltiorrhiza (DanShen) on ischemic diseases has revolutionized the
management of angina pectoris, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke in Chinese society.
Experimental studies have shown that Danshen
herb dilated coronary arteries, increased coronary
blood flow, and scavenged free radicals in ischemic diseases, so that it reduced the
cellular damage from ischemia and improved heart functions. Clinical trials also indicated
that Danshen was an effective medicine for angina pectoris, MI, and stroke.
Danshen Chemistry
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and S. przewalskii Maxium) has tanshinones and
related terpenoids.
Danshen studies
Fifteen tanshinone analogues isolated from the chloroform extract of Danshen roots
(Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) by chromatographic procedures were tested for their
cytotoxic activities against KB, Hela, Colo-205 and Hep-2 carcinoma cell lines. Several of
them were effective at concentrations below 1 micrograms/ml concentrations.
Water soluble extracts of the herbal plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) exhibited potent
effect against HIV-1 integrase activity in vitro and viral replication in vivo.
Danshen Interactions
Warfarin (Coumadin)— Danshen can affect hemostasis in several ways, including
inhibition of platelet aggregation, interference with the extrinsic blood coagulation,
antithrombin III-like activity, and promotion of fibrinolytic activity. Single-dose and
steady-state studies in rats indicated that danshen increased the absorption rate
constants, AUCs, maximum concentrations, and elimination half-lives, but decreased the
clearances and apparent volume of distribution of both R- and S-warfarin. Consequently,
the anticoagulant response to warfarin was exaggerated. Three cases have previously been
published reporting gross overanticoagulation and bleeding complications when patients
receiving chronic warfarin therapy also took danshen.
Danshen studies
Immunomodulatory effects of Yun Zhi and
Danshen capsules in health
subjects-a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
Wong CK. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of
Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
Int Immunopharmacol. 2004 Feb;4(2):201-11.
Immunostimulating polysaccharides extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant Yun
Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) have been found to enhance various immunological
functions, and Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) to show beneficial effects on the
circulatory system. In the present clinical study, we investigated if regular
consumption of Yun Zhi and Danshen capsules could improve cellular immunity in
healthy subjects. One hundred healthy subjects were recruited to take Yun Zhi
(50 mg/kg body weight) plus Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) or placebo capsules
daily for four successive months and, after a 2-month wash-out period, crossover
to take placebo or Yun Zhi plus Danshen capsules for four successive months.
Flow cytometry was used to assess the lymphocyte subtypes and concentration of T
helper (Th) cell cytokines in culture supernatant. Gene expression of cytokines
and cytokine receptors of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was analyzed
by cDNA expression array. Results showed that regular oral consumption of Yun
Zhi-Danshen capsules could significantly elevate PBMC gene expression of
interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, increase the percentage and absolute counts of T
helper cell and ratio of CD4(+) (T helper)/CD8(+) (T suppressor and cytotoxic T)
cell, and significantly enhance the ex vivo production of typical Th1 cytokine
interferon-gamma from PBMC activated by phytohemagglutinin and
lipopolysaccharide (all p<0.005). Such consumption had no adverse effects on
liver and renal functions, and the biochemical bone profile. Therefore, regular
consumption of Yun Zhi and Danshen could be beneficial for immunological
functions by potential enhancement of cell-mediated immunity in healthy subjects
without any adverse effects.
Danshen
questions
Q. Can danshen herb be taken with
Mangosteen supplement?
A. We don't foresee any untoward reactions that would occur.
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