What is danshen?What is Tanshinone IIA?Application and function of Tanshinone IIA.Modern Developments and application research of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza.
Article Content:
- .Basic Botanical Data of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza.
- .Salvia and the History of Microcirculation Research in China.
- .Status of Salvia In Ancient Chinese Medicine---danshen(Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza) as the heart (mind) stimulator.
- .Active Constituents and phytochemicals of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen).
- .What is Tanshinone IIA? Application and function of Tanshinone IIA.
- .Modern Developments and application research of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen).
- .More About Sage Family.:History,Key Actions,Key Components,Medicinal Parts,Remedies,Traditional Uses of Sage Family world wide.
- .Dosage, Toxicity,And Adverse Effects of Danshen.
Modern Developments and application research of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen).
1.Blood-vitalizing properties of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen):
It was only during the 20th Century that salvia became known for its blood-vitalizing properties; until then, salvia was more commonly reputed to treat bleeding disorders (e.g., menstrual bleeding) than blood stasis (4).
2.Blood circulation vitalizing function of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen):
Formal acknowledgement of the value of salvia for vitalizing blood circulation finally appeared in the 1930s.
Qin Bowei, a famous physician born at the turn of the 20th Century who was instrumental in the spread of TCM in modern China (after the revolution in 1949), included salvia in some of the formulas he used. He described the herb this way (5):
Salvia is bitter and slightly cold and enters the channels of the heart and liver. It quickens the blood, moves the blood, and regulates transportation of blood fluid. The Da Ming[Mingyi Bielu ca. 500 A.D.] and Ri Hua[Rihuazi Bencao, 713 A.D., mentioned above] refer to this as "eliminating stasis and engendering the new," with the implication of freeing and supplementing. Salvia is most often used in the treatment of longstanding costal pain and hard obstruction in the early stage.
3.Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen) as general anti-aging tonic:
A relatively new area of concern for blood stasis is in relation to aging. In the theoretical framework of ancient Chinese medicine, aging was understood to be related to a degradation of the essence (jing) that is stored in the kidney and which helps nourish the liver yin and blood and also helps stimulate the nutritive functions associated with the spleen. Decline in essence results in drying of the blood, contraction of the ligaments, withering of the flesh, and overall reduction in vitality, mental function, and health. During the 20th Century, possibly due to changes in the environment, diet, and lifestyle (as well as progress in medical research into aging), it was generally agreed that disorders associated with aging additionally involve blood stasis.
The same basic observation technique was applied to examination of capillaries in the finger nail beds (see Figure 2). The nail bed is easy to view and is richly endowed with capillaries very close to the skin surface beneath the nail. It was theorized that the condition of the capillaries at this site would reflect the condition of the capillaries elsewhere in the body. One of the first applications of the nail bed measurements was reported at the Hong Kong conference (14). A group of researchers at the Huashan Hospital of the Shanghai First Medical College reported that nail bed circulation in patients with chronic viral hepatitis was abnormal, and that as treatment of hepatitis with Chinese herbs progressed, with reduction of symptoms and liver inflammation, the nail bed circulation improved. Salvia was a featured herb in the treatment for hepatitis in these studies. The authors concluded their presentation thus:
Figure 2: Images of nail bed capillaries before and after treatment with salvia.
4.Inhibition of mast cell degranulation by tanshinones from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza,Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen):
research show: the activity-guided fractionation of the extract of the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza B. (Labiatae, Tanshen), led to the isolation of four active components responsible for the anti-allergic activity in vitro.
Among them, 15,16-dihydrotanshinone-1 and cryptotanshinone demonstrated significant inhibition of the release of beta-hexosaminidase from cultured RBL-2H3 cells in a dose-dependent manner; the ICS, values were calculated as 16 and 36 mu M, respectively.
5. Anti-Hypertensive Effect of Water Extract of Danshen on Renovascular Hypertension Through Inhibition of the Renin Angiotensin System :
A study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of anti-hypertensive effects of Danshen in the two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) Goldblatt renovascular hypertensive model, which is the renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-dependent hypertensive model. We investigated the effects of water extracts of Danshen on the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activities, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and hormone levels in the plasma of 2K1C rats. ACE activity was inhibited by the addition of Danshen extract in a dose-dependent manner. SBP was decreased significantly after administration of Danshen extract in 2K1C, whereas plasma renin activity (PRA) was not changed.
The plasma concentration of aldosterone (PAC) was decreased significantly in 2K1C group administered with Danshen extract, whereas the plasma concentration of ANP was increased by administration of Danshen extract for three weeks. These results suggest that Danshen has an anti-hypertensive effect through the inhibition of ACE, an essential regulatory enzyme of RAS.
6.Cardiovascular disease, angina, high cholesterol control of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen):
A small number of studies suggest that danshen may provide benefits for treating disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including chest pain, heart attacks, ischemic stroke, myocarditis and high cholesterol. Danshen is frequently used for these problems in combination with other herbs. There is only limited research in humans specifically evaluating danshen in the treatment of these diseases. In addition, these studies have been small, with flaws in their designs. The results of different studies have disagreed with each other. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is any benefit from danshen for these conditions.
7.Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen):
Some studies suggest that danshen may provide benefits for treating liver diseases such as cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B. Danshen is frequently used for these problems in combination with other herbs. Although early research in humans suggests a possible reduction in liver fibrosis in people with cirrhosis and some benefits in chronic hepatitis, these studies have been small, with flaws in their designs. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is any benefit from danshen for these conditions.
8. Asthmatic bronchitis of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen):
A small amount of research in humans suggests that danshen may improve breathing and lessen cough and wheeze in patients with chronic asthmatic bronchitis.Further studies are needed to compare danshen with other common treatments for this condition.
9.Glaucoma therapy of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen) and extracts:
Clinical studies proved that Danshen has been proposed as possible glaucoma therapy.
10.Burn healing--danshen speed healing of burns and wounds:
Although animal studies suggest that danshen may speed healing of burns and wounds,there are no studies in humans evaluating this claim.
11.Danshen Increased rate of peritoneal dialysis:
One study suggests that danshen may speed peritoneal dialysis and ultrafiltration rates when added to dialysate solution. Although danshen appears to be effective for this use, it is not known whether it is safe.
12.Unproven Uses of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen).:
Danshen has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before taking danshen for any unproven use.
13.More application and function in brief of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen):
*Acne:Intrauterine growth retardation
*Anoxic brain injury:Liver cancer
*Anxiety:Lung fibrosis
*Blood clotting disorders:Menstrual problems
*Bruising:Preeclampsia
*Cancer:Psoriasis
*Circulation:Radiation-induced lung damage
*Clogged arteries:Restlessness
*Diabetic nerve pain:Sleep difficulties
*Eczema:Stimulation of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) release
*Gentamicin toxicity:Stomach ulcers
*Heart palpitations :Wound healing
Summary:Although Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen) has been suggested as a treatment for many illnesses, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of danshen for any medical condition. Danshen is frequently used in combination with other herbs.
Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen) may increase the risk of bleeding and should be used cautiously with anticoagulants (blood thinners) and some anti-inflammatory drugs. It should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Consult your health care provider immediately if you have any side effects.
The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
14.Anti-myocardial ischemia:
Dan Shen can decrease the magnitude of abnormal ST changes in the electrocardiogram of myocardial infarction in rabbits, reduce the occurrence of pathological Q waves, inhibit the formation of lipoperoxides, and decrease the severity of myocardial necrosis.
15.Protecting the lung:
Dan Shen has protective and therapeutic effects on rats with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In rats with ARDS, Dan Shen inhibits hyperactivity of alveolar macrophage, decreasing the secretion of tumor necrosis factor Alfa and interleukin-1.
16.Effects on the liver:
Dan Shen extract can improve liver tissue injuries and reduce the magnitude of fibrosis in rats with CCl4 and DMN (dimethylnitrosamine)-induced hepatic fibrosis. Dan Shen can also decrease the hypoxanthine and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels in the liver tissue.Administered at 3ml, Dan Shen injections can effectively protect rats from passive smoking-induced liver function changes. It is speculated that this effect of Dan Shen may have been achieved by its potential anti-oxygen free radical properties.
17.Anti-neoplastic effects:
In vitro experiments show that at 10 ml/ml, Dan Shen can inhibit K562 and BCaP-37 tumor cells with an inhibition rate of 70 to 80%; for K562 cells, Dan Shen's IC50 is 7.5 ml/ml, and for BCaP-37 cells, its IC50 is 6.96ml/ml.
18.Anti-free radicals:
Experiments show that Dan Shen injections can decrease the MDA levels and increase the SOD levels in the blood and spinal tissues of rabbits with spinal injuries.
19.Promoting healing of wounds:
By optimizing the ratio of NO and ET, Dan Shen can decrease the synthesis of ET and NO, increase surface tissue activity in rats with second degree scalding injuries, and lessen early-stage injury progression, thus promoting injury recovery.
20.Effects on vascular smooth cell migration:
Experiments show that in rats whose proliferation of vascular smooth cells has been inhibited by hydroxycarbamide, Dan Shen can inhibit vascular smooth cell migration induced by bovine serum of newborn calves. Dan Shen can also inhibit cell migration-related bone protein gene expression, and decrease the activity of creatine kinase.
21.Effects on the production of osteoclasts:
At 1.0g/L, Dan Shen can inhibit the production of osteoclasts in in-vitro bone marrow cell cultures. It mainly inhibits the transformation of osteoclast metrocytes into mature osteoclasts.
22.Anti-cell injury:
Dan Shen extract can delay the lowering of survival rate of gastric mucosa chief cells, increase lactic dehydrogenase transudation, and raise the level of free calcium in cells.
23.Promoting cognitive function:
Administered to rats, with a single temporal line ischemic injury, by an intraperitoneal injection at 10g/kg, Dan Shen can shorten the time it takes the subjects to react and find a solution in Morris labyrinth. Dan Shen also notably reduces the volume of temporal line infarct and the expression of HSP32.
24.Effects on the phenotype of fibroblasts:
A 0.2% Dan Shen solution can promote the fusiform to squamous transformation of fibroblasts and increase the number of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis.
25.Effects on pancreatitis:
Administered to rats with biliary pancratitis at 5g/kg, Dan Shen injections can reduce Ca2+ concentrations in pancreatic acinar cells and lessen the extent of pancreatic injury.
26.Effects on stellate cells' proliferation and apoptosis:
In-vitro experiments show that Dan Shen can inhibit the proliferation of stellate cells and promote apoptosis of in vitro-cultivated stellate cells.
27.Protecting human osteoblasts from ischemia-reperfusion injuries:
Experiments show that pre-treatment with Dan Shen can increase the survival rate of human osteoblasts in ischemia-reperfusion.
Reference:
1.What is danshen?What is Tanshinone IIA?Application and function of Tanshinone IIA.Modern Developments and application research of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza.
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