Evidence supporting the use of: Danshen
For the health condition: Arteriosclerosis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used for cardiovascular diseases, including arteriosclerosis. Its use for this condition is supported by both traditional practice and increasing scientific investigation. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Danshen contains bioactive compounds such as tanshinones and salvianolic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-platelet, and vasodilatory properties. Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) show that these constituents can inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, reduce cholesterol accumulation, and improve endothelial function, all of which are relevant to arteriosclerosis. Clinical evidence is more limited but growing. Some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest Danshen preparations, alone or in combination with other herbs, may improve blood flow, reduce blood lipids, and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. However, these studies often have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, short durations, or lack of rigorous blinding and randomization. As a result, while there is moderate scientific validation, more high-quality large-scale trials are needed to firmly establish effectiveness and safety. In summary, Danshen’s use for arteriosclerosis is justified by a combination of tradition and emerging scientific evidence, with its mechanisms of action partially elucidated and initial clinical results promising but not yet conclusive.
Other ingredients used for Arteriosclerosis
AjoeneAlcohol
Allicin
Alliin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
anchovies
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
apple
Aronia melanocarpa
beet
berberine
bilberry
black garlic
black tea
blueberry
catechins
chocolate
chokeberry
cocoa
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
danshen
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epicatechin
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
fish oil
flavanols
flavans
flavonoids
flavonols
garlic
garlic bulb
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
grape
green tea
hawthorn
hesperetin
hesperidin
hydroxytyrosol
inositol nicotinate
jiaogulan
Lactotripeptides
Legume protein
Ligustrazin
magnesium
Marine lipid
Monacolin
Monounsaturated fat
Naringin
Nattokinase
Niacin (vitamin B3)
Oleuropein
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
onion
Phthalides
Pistachio
policosanol
Polydatin
polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
proanthocyanidins
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
psyllium
Puerarin
quercetin
red yeast rice
resveratrol
rutin
S-allylcysteine
Salvianolic acid
Sesamin
sitostanol
soy isoflavones
soybean
Taxifolin
tocotrienols
turmeric
Tyrosol
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
Walnut
Xantinol Nicotinate
Other health conditions supported by danshen
AnginaArrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Congestive Heart Failure
Edema
Fatty Liver Disease
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Migraine
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
Raynaud's Disease
Strokes
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
