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Deng Sen Extract

Also known as: Danshen, Chinese Sage, Red Sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza

Overview

Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as Danshen or Chinese Sage, is a plant native to China and Japan, and it is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. The extract is derived from the roots and rhizomes of the plant and contains bioactive compounds such as salvianolic acids and tanshinones. Danshen is primarily used for its cardiovascular benefits, including improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. It is also explored for its potential in treating various conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, and inflammatory diseases. Research indicates that Danshen possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties, making it a versatile herbal supplement. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and decoctions, with bioavailability varying depending on the preparation method.

Benefits

Danshen has shown significant benefits in several key areas. In cancer treatment, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, Danshen formulae have been found to improve response rates and survival rates across various cancer types, supported by meta-analyses of high-quality RCTs. For patients with chronic kidney disease, Danshen extracts have demonstrated improvements in kidney function, decreasing serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen while increasing creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, Danshen has been shown to reduce inflammatory biomarkers such as hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients with cardiovascular diseases, indicating its potential in managing inflammatory conditions. These benefits are particularly notable in cancer and chronic kidney disease patients, with effect sizes varying by outcome but generally significant.

How it works

Danshen exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Its bioactive compounds, including salvianolic acids and tanshinones, contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory actions. Danshen interacts with the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, and with the renal system by enhancing kidney function. At the molecular level, it targets pathways involved in inflammation, such as reducing TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and combats oxidative stress. The absorption and bioavailability of Danshen compounds can vary based on the form of administration and the presence of other compounds that may either enhance or inhibit absorption.

Side effects

Danshen is generally considered safe when used as directed, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicating that the incidence of adverse effects is similar to control groups. Common side effects specifically attributed to Danshen are not well-documented, but it is often well-tolerated. Some studies mention minor gastrointestinal symptoms, though these are not consistently reported. Rare side effects are not well-documented. However, potential drug interactions exist, particularly with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, due to Danshen's vasodilatory and antiplatelet effects. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data in these populations. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should use Danshen with caution and under medical supervision.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Danshen varies by condition and preparation. For cancer treatment, doses used in studies were part of complex traditional Chinese medicine formulas. For chronic kidney disease, studies included various doses without specifying a common range, as traditional Chinese medicine formulas are often customized. There is no established maximum safe dose, but high doses should be used cautiously and under medical supervision. The timing of administration depends on the specific condition and other medications used. Danshen can be administered in capsules, tablets, and decoctions, with bioavailability varying by form. Absorption can be influenced by other compounds and preparation methods. No specific cofactors are required, but efficacy may be enhanced when combined with other traditional Chinese medicines.

FAQs

Is Danshen safe to use?

Danshen is generally safe but should be used under medical supervision, especially for those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants.

How should Danshen be administered?

Timing and administration should be tailored to the individual's condition and other medications being used for optimal results.

What results can I expect from using Danshen?

Expected results vary by condition but include improved survival rates in cancer patients, better kidney function in chronic kidney disease, and reduced inflammation.

Can Danshen be used alone for serious conditions?

Danshen is often most effective when used in combination with conventional treatments, not as a standalone treatment.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/2310639 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 RCTs (1045 participants) found that Danshen formulae, when combined with chemotherapy, significantly improved response rates and survival rates for various types of cancer. The study highlights the potential benefits of integrating Danshen into cancer treatment protocols, although it notes heterogeneity in study designs and populations as a limitation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/2117433 – This meta-analysis of 32 studies with 2264 participants demonstrated that Danshen or its extracts significantly improved kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. The treatment group showed decreased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and increased creatinine clearance and glomerular filtration rate, suggesting Danshen can help delay the progression of chronic kidney disease.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.922497/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that Danshen significantly reduced inflammatory biomarkers such as hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The study suggests that Danshen has additive effects on attenuating these inflammatory indices, highlighting its potential role in managing cardiovascular inflammation.