Herb's Introduction
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, commonly known as Danshen, redroot sage, or Chinese salvia, is a prominent perennial medicinal herb highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The dried root and rhizome, known as Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae et Rhizoma, is the part primarily used for medicinal purposes. Its name, miltiorrhiza, meaning "red ochre root," refers to the characteristic scarlet-red color of the taproot. Danshen has been documented for its therapeutic use for over 2,000 years, appearing in one of the oldest Chinese medical texts, the Shennong Bencao Jing (ca. 100 A.D.). Its traditional applications mainly revolve around invigorating blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by various names globally, reflecting its primary usage in East Asia: English: Redroot sage, Chinese salvia, Red sage, Danshen Chinese: 丹参 (Dānshēn), 赤参 (Chì Shēn), 紫丹参 (Zǐ Dānshēn) Korean: 단삼 (Dansam) Japanese: 丹参 (Tanshin) German: Rotwurzel-Salbei Thai: ตังเซียม (Tang Siam) Vietnamese: Đan sâm (Đan sâm)
Terminology
The main medicinal parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza are its dried roots and rhizomes, which are officially referred to in pharmacopoeias as Danshen (derived from its Chinese name 丹参) or Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae et Rhizoma. The key active compounds are broadly classified into two groups: Lipophilic (Fat-soluble) Diterpenoid Quinones (Tanshinones): These are responsible for the root's characteristic reddish-orange color. Major compounds include Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, and Cryptotanshinone. They exhibit antibacterial, antitumor, and cardioprotective effects. Hydrophilic (Water-soluble) Phenolic Acids (Salvianolic Acids): Major compounds include Salvianolic Acid B and Danshensu (Salvianolic Acid A and Lithospermic acid are also important). These compounds are largely responsible for the herb's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective activities.
Availability
Salvia miltiorrhiza is native to China and Japan, primarily growing in the west and southwest provinces of China, such as Hubei, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, and Zhejiang. It is found in grassy places, hillsides, and along stream banks at elevations typically ranging from 90 to 1,200 meters (300 to 3,940 feet). While it is cultivated worldwide, particularly in East Asia, for medicinal trade, it is less commonly listed as a naturally occurring medicinal plant specifically in Nepal in the provided search results. However, it is available in Nepal through import, often in the form of the dried roots (Danshen) or as finished herbal products and supplements, as suggested by online vendors.
External Look
The plant is an herbaceous perennial, growing to a height of about 30–60 cm (0.98 to 1.97 ft). Root (The Medicinal Part): The distinguishing feature is the long, cylindrical, and slightly thickened taproot, which is succulent and has a striking scarlet-red to reddish-brown color externally, giving rise to its common name, redroot sage. Stems: They are erect, often branched, and typically covered with villous (long, soft, not matted) hairs. They can reach 40-80 cm tall. Leaves: They can be simple or odd-pinnate (feather-like with an odd leaflet at the tip), with leaflets ranging from 1.5-8 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. Flowers: The flowers are borne in whorls on terminal or axillary racemes up to 17 cm long. The corolla (petals) is typically purple-blue or white, about 2-2.7 cm long, set within a dark purple calyx (sepals).
Healing Properties
Salvia miltiorrhiza possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, largely due to the synergistic effects of its tanshinones and salvianolic acids: Cardiovascular Protection: The most renowned property. It is shown to dilate coronary arteries in all concentrations, improve microcirculation, and lower blood pressure slightly. Anticoagulant/Antithrombotic: It "thins the blood" by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing blood clotting, potentially affecting hemostasis and speeding up the breakdown of fibrin. Anti-inflammatory: It exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing the secretion of inflammatory mediators like NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. Antioxidant: Salvianolic acids, particularly Salvianolic Acid A and B, exhibit strong antioxidant capacity, helping to protect the central nervous system and other tissues from oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. Anticancer/Antineoplastic: Research, particularly in-vitro and animal studies, indicates that its compounds can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit the proliferation, invasiveness, and angiogenesis of various cancer cells (e.g., lung, breast, prostate, liver, oral). Neuroprotective: Studies suggest protective effects against neuronal injury and degeneration, showing promise in the potential treatment of conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Advantages
The main advantages of Salvia miltiorrhiza lie in its potent, multi-targeted action, especially for circulatory and inflammatory conditions: Comprehensive Cardiovascular Support: It addresses multiple aspects of cardiovascular disease, including improving blood flow, preventing clotting, and protecting against oxidative damage and inflammation in blood vessels. Well-documented in TCM: It has a long history of effective use, with the earliest written documentation over 2,000 years ago, solidifying its role as a primary botanical for cardiovascular and gynecological conditions. Chemical Diversity: Its efficacy comes from two distinct groups of bioactive compounds (lipophilic tanshinones and hydrophilic salvianolic acids) that offer complementary therapeutic effects. Modern Validation: Its traditional uses are increasingly supported by contemporary scientific and pharmacological studies, with one of its preparations becoming the first Chinese herbal medicine approved by the FDA for clinical tests in the United States.
Uses
The dried root (Danshen) is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of: Cardiovascular Diseases: Angina Pectoris (chest pain), Coronary Heart Disease, Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides), Atherosclerosis, Hypertension (high blood pressure). Cerebrovascular Diseases: Acute Ischemic Stroke, and related blood circulation problems. Gynecological Conditions: Menstrual problems, including menstrual abnormalities, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and abdominal masses related to blood stasis. Inflammatory and Fibrotic Conditions: Chronic liver disease (Hepatocirrhosis/Hepatic Fibrosis), and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Other Traditional Uses: Insomnia caused by palpitations and a tight chest, acne, psoriasis, eczema, relieving bruising, and aiding in wound healing.
Using Way
The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza can be prepared and used in several ways: Decoction/Tea: The dried roots are typically cut into pieces (e.g., danshen tablets/slices) and steeped or boiled in water for oral consumption. A common preparation method is to use 5-10 tablets (or slices), rinse with water, add boiling water, and soak for 5-10 minutes. Extracts and Pharmaceutical Forms: It is widely available as concentrated extracts, capsules, tablets, and injections (often used in clinical settings in China and other Asian countries). Traditional Processing: Various processing techniques can be applied to the root that can slightly alter its properties: Dry-fried salvia (chao dan shen) Mix fried with wine (jiu zhi dan shen) Charred salvia (dan shen tan) Dosage: The dosage varies significantly depending on the form, condition, and practitioner's recommendation. It is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional, particularly one familiar with herbal medicine, before use. Contraindications/Cautions: Pregnancy: It is traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy and should be avoided due to insufficient safety studies. Bleeding Disorders/Surgery: Due to its blood-thinning effect, it should be stopped at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery and avoided by people with bleeding disorders. Drug Interactions: It can potentially increase the effect of anticoagulant drugs like Warfarin (Coumadin) and may interact with other medications such as Digoxin and Midazolam.
Conclusion
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) is a tremendously important herb, anchoring a significant portion of East Asian traditional and modern medicine, particularly for cardiovascular and circulatory disorders. Its potent activity stems from a rich profile of active compounds, namely the lipophilic tanshinones and hydrophilic salvianolic acids, which together provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and highly effective anti-thrombotic and vasodilatory effects. While it has a long history of safe use, its powerful effects necessitate caution regarding its use alongside anticoagulant medications, during pregnancy, and prior to surgery. The growing body of pharmacological evidence continues to validate its traditional applications, cementing its status as a vital botanical medicine.
