Evidence supporting the use of: Danshen
For the health condition: Angina

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been used for centuries, primarily for cardiovascular conditions, including angina pectoris. Modern scientific studies have investigated its effects on angina, providing a moderate level of evidence for its use. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that Danshen and its extracts (such as Danshen dripping pills or compound formulations) may help alleviate symptoms of angina, improve exercise tolerance, and reduce the frequency of angina attacks when used as an adjunct to conventional therapy. Proposed mechanisms include vasodilation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, antioxidant effects, and improvement of coronary microcirculation. However, the quality of existing studies varies, with methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, lack of rigorous blinding, and short follow-up periods. A 2019 Cochrane review found that while Danshen preparations may have beneficial effects for stable angina, the overall certainty of the evidence is low to moderate due to the aforementioned study limitations. Current clinical guidelines do not recommend Danshen as a first-line treatment but acknowledge its potential as a complementary therapy. In summary, the use of Danshen for angina is supported by both tradition and a moderate amount of scientific evidence, but further high-quality research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety profile definitively.

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