Danshen (ch ih shen, huang ken, pin ma ts'ao, red sage, saliva root, salvia miltiorrhiza, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, shu wei ts'ao, tan shen, tzu tan ken)

Suggested dosing of Ch ih shen, huang ken (danshen)

Oral dosing has not been studied in well conducted human trials. No specific dose can be recommended

 

Suggested uses of Ch ih shen, huang ken (danshen)

Abdominal cramps, acne, angina pectoris, circulation problems, eczema/psoriasis, hepatitis (chronic), insomnia, ischemic stroke, menstrual problems, skin conditions, bruising, & wound healing

 

Efficacy

Ischemic Stroke: Preliminary research indicates that PO or IV may improve neurological deficits after acute ischemic stroke. More studies are needed

 

Ch ih shen, huang ken (danshen) adverse (side) effects

Pruritis, reduced appetite, stomach upset

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Bleeding disorders

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Ch ih shen, huang ken (danshen)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

Root has antispasmodic and antithrombotic properties; increases coronary flow rate