Evidence supporting the use of: Danshen
For the health condition: Blood Clots (prevention of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been widely studied for its cardiovascular effects, including the prevention of blood clots. Scientific studies indicate that Danshen and its active compounds (such as tanshinones and salvianolic acids) exhibit antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and vasodilatory properties. These effects have been demonstrated in vitro, in animal models, and to a lesser extent in human clinical trials.
Mechanistically, Danshen inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces blood viscosity, and modulates the coagulation cascade. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses suggest Danshen may reduce the risk of thrombosis and improve blood flow in conditions such as coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. However, the quality of clinical evidence varies, with concerns about study design and sample sizes in many trials.
Despite these limitations, Danshen is included in official pharmacopeias (e.g., Chinese Pharmacopoeia) for cardiovascular indications and is commonly used in China as an adjunct for preventing and treating blood clots and related conditions. The evidence base is stronger than for many traditional remedies, but large, high-quality RCTs are still needed to definitively establish its efficacy and safety for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Blood Clots (prevention of)
AjoeneAlgae
Allicin
Angelica
Auricularia
black cumin
bromelain
capsicum
cayenne pepper
Chinese salvia root
chocolate
cinnamon
cocoa
Curcuma
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Cyathula
danshen
dextran
Diosmin
dong quai root
eicosapentaenoic acid
fiber
fish oil
fish protein
flavonoids
flavonols
ganoderma
garlic
garlic bulb
hesperidin
horse chestnut
kiwi
Ligusticum
Ligustrazin
lumbrokinase
Nattokinase
Nattozimes
omega-3 fatty acids
onion
Phaeophyceae
phenolic compounds
polyphenols
polyunsaturated fat
Pycnogenol
quercetin
Rubia cordifolia
rutin
Sanguisorba
seaweed
Serrapeptase
shiitake mushroom
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sweet Clover
Tanshinone
Taxillus chinensis
Troxerutin
turmeric
Xanthine
Xanthophyll
Xantinol Nicotinate
Zucchini
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)
