Evidence supporting the use of: Tanshinone
For the health condition: Fibrosis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Tanshinone, a bioactive compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), has been studied for its potential anti-fibrotic effects in several preclinical models. Experimental data, mainly from cell culture and animal studies, suggest that tanshinone IIA, the most studied form, can inhibit fibrosis in organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys. Mechanistically, tanshinone appears to suppress key fibrogenic pathways, including TGF-β/Smad signaling, reduce oxidative stress, and attenuate inflammatory responses that contribute to fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition.

Despite these promising results in preclinical studies, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence supporting the use of tanshinones for the treatment or prevention of fibrosis in humans. Most evidence comes from in vitro or animal models, and well-designed human trials are lacking. Reviews and meta-analyses consistently highlight the need for more rigorous clinical research before tanshinone can be recommended for this indication. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some supportive data, the overall evidence for its use in fibrosis remains preliminary and insufficient for clinical application.

More about Tanshinone
More about Fibrosis

Products containing Tanshinone

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.