Evidence supporting the use of: Danshen
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

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Synopsis

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

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb historically used for cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure (CHF). Modern research has investigated its potential benefits in CHF management. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, mostly conducted in China, suggest that Danshen and its extracts (particularly when used as an adjunct to conventional therapy) may improve cardiac function, exercise tolerance, and some clinical symptoms in CHF patients. Proposed mechanisms include vasodilation, antioxidant effects, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and improvement of microcirculation, attributed to active constituents like tanshinones and salvianolic acids. However, the quality of the available studies is variable, with many having small sample sizes, short durations, and limitations in blinding or randomization. Systematic reviews (e.g., Cochrane reviews) have noted promising results but emphasize the need for higher-quality, large-scale trials to confirm efficacy and safety. Current guidelines in Western medicine do not recommend Danshen for CHF due to insufficient robust evidence, but its use is more common in China as an adjunct therapy. In summary, there is moderate scientific evidence to support Danshen’s role in CHF, but it remains investigational outside of traditional medicine contexts.

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