Herbal Information for Dan Shen in Extract Powder Form
Historical Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Early References in Classical Texts
Dan Shen's medicinal use dates back over a thousand years and is prominently mentioned in classical TCM texts such as the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and the Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen. These ancient texts document its use for treating heart and liver ailments, as well as its role in promoting blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis.
Traditional Applications
In traditional practice, Dan Shen is used to invigorate blood flow, eliminate blood stasis, and relieve pain. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and menstrual disorders. The herb is also used to calm the spirit and improve mental clarity.
Evolution of Its Medicinal Use
Over the centuries, the applications of Dan Shen have evolved. While it remains a vital component in TCM, its uses have expanded to include treatment for modern ailments such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic liver diseases. Its integration into contemporary herbal medicine has been supported by growing scientific evidence of its therapeutic benefits.
Chemical Composition
Key Bioactive Compounds
Dan Shen's therapeutic effects are largely attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including:
- Tanshinones: Lipophilic compounds that have shown potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.
- Salvianolic acids: Hydrophilic compounds known for their antioxidant properties and ability to protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Overview of Phytochemical Profile
Dan Shen contains a diverse range of phytochemicals, such as:
- Tanshinone I and IIA: Effective in reducing inflammation and providing neuroprotective effects.
- Salvianolic acid A and B: Strong antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Dihydrotanshinone: Exhibits antibacterial properties.
Mechanism of Action in Improving Heart Health
Dan Shen promotes cardiovascular health by dilating coronary arteries, improving blood flow, and reducing blood viscosity. This helps to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, and other heart conditions.
Clinical Evidence and Research Studies
Numerous clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of Dan Shen in treating cardiovascular diseases. For example, research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has shown that Dan Shen extracts can significantly improve symptoms of angina pectoris and enhance overall heart function.
Applications for Cardiovascular Diseases
Dan Shen is widely used in the management of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. It is often included in herbal formulas designed to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of heart attack.
Neuroprotective Effects
Mechanism of Action for Neuroprotection
Dan Shen protects neurons by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and improving cerebral blood flow. These actions help to prevent neuronal damage and support overall brain health.
Evidence from Modern Research
Modern research has provided substantial evidence supporting the neuroprotective effects of Dan Shen. Studies have shown that its compounds can reduce the risk of stroke, improve cognitive function, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Potential Applications in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Due to its neuroprotective properties, Dan Shen is being explored as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Its ability to protect neurons and enhance brain function makes it a promising candidate for managing these conditions.
FAQs
1. What is Dan Shen used for?
Dan Shen is used primarily for its cardiovascular benefits, including improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure. It also has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
2. How should I take Dan Shen?
Dan Shen can be taken as a decoction, tincture, or in supplement form such as capsules or tablets. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare provider.
3. Are there any side effects of Dan Shen?
While Dan Shen is generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort. It can also interact with blood-thinning medications, so caution is advised.
4. Can Dan Shen be used for liver health?
Yes, Dan Shen supports liver health by enhancing detoxification and protecting liver cells from damage. It is commonly used in traditional medicine for liver-related issues.
5. Is Dan Shen suitable for everyone?
Dan Shen should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants should also consult a healthcare provider before use.
Common Name: Salvia Root
Botanical Name: Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix
Channels/Meridians: Heart, Pericardium, Liver
Pin Yin Name: Dan Shen
Other Names: Red Sage Root
Other Ingredients: Dextrin (derived from non-GMO corn)
Package Size: 100 grams
Form: Single Herb Extract Powder
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: **Do not use if pregnant. **Avoid using if you are taking blood thinners such as Warfarin or Coumadin. Incompatible with Li Lu.** Consult your health care practitioner for guidance.
Product Properties: Bitter, Slightly Cold
Salvia root has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an herb that invigorates and regulates the blood. It helps with various blood and cardiovascular issues. This variety of Salvia Root enters the Heart, Pericardium, and Liver channels.Dan Shen is the Pin Yin name, which literally translates into English as "cinnabar root".
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket
About Plum Flower Quality Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are a authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5421141/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621002620
https://cmjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1749-8546-5-22
https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/dan-shen.html
https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/danshen.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/aps2017193
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8406986/
1 Review
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Effective and easy to use
I'm using this and Chinese skullcap to relieve symptoms from Chronic Lyme disease. Since I've added in Dan Shen I feel less head pressure, and less disconnected from reality. It's a great product
