Red Sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), also known as Danshen, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. Recent scientific interest has focused on its potential neuroprotective effects, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Preclinical studies have shown that certain active compounds in Red Sage, such as tanshinones and salvianolic acids, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. These mechanisms are relevant to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease, which involves oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal cell death.

Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that extracts of Red Sage or its isolated compounds may reduce β-amyloid deposition, inhibit tau phosphorylation, and improve cognitive performance in AD models. For example, salvianolic acid B has been reported to attenuate memory impairment and decrease markers of neuronal damage in mouse models of AD. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, with only a few small pilot studies or case reports suggesting possible benefits, and methodological quality is generally low.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and promising preclinical evidence for the use of Red Sage in Alzheimer's Disease, high-quality clinical data in humans are insufficient. Thus, the evidence supporting its use in AD is preliminary and not yet conclusive.