9 Best Benefits Of Salvia Miltiorrhiza
Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Danshen, is a perennial plant native to China, known for its medicinal properties.
The bioactive compounds present in Salvia miltiorrhiza, such as tanshinones (e.g., tanshinone IIA and tanshinone I) and salvianolic acids, have been found to provide numerous health benefits.
Regular consumption of Salvia miltiorrhiza has been shown to reduce blood pressure, soothe anxiety, and improve cardiovascular health, making it a valuable herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
These benefits are attributed to the plant's ability to dilate blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular function, ultimately leading to improved overall health.
Featured Study
According to Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), Salvia miltiorrhiza has been shown to be the most widely studied Salvia species in terms of its effectiveness as an antidiabetic agent.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces blood pressure
Salvia miltiorrhiza reduces blood pressure, which is the lowering of blood pressure to a range that is considered normal for an individual, typically between 90 and 120 mmHg for systolic pressure and 60 to 80 mmHg for diastolic pressure.
This benefit is important because high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, which can be life-threatening if left unmanaged.
The salvia miltiorrhiza plant is able to exhibit this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including tanshinones, salvianolic acids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have vasodilatory and antioxidant effects.
To effectively utilize salvia miltiorrhiza for blood pressure reduction, it can be consumed in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or extracts, with recommended dosages typically ranging from 8-12 grams per day of the dried root.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Salviae miltiorrhizae tincture
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tanshinone i | Hypertension, angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Salvianolic acid a | Hypertension, hypertensive crisis, cardiac failure |
| Rosmarinic acid | Hypertension, arteriosclerosis, peripheral artery disease |
2. Soothes anxiety
Salvia miltiorrhiza soothes anxiety by reducing feelings of worry, nervousness, and unease, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
This benefit is crucial in today's fast-paced world, where anxiety can lead to decreased productivity, strained relationships, and even physical health problems, such as hypertension and digestive issues.
The plant's anxiolytic properties can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including tansinones, salvianolic acids, and phenolic acids, which interact with neurotransmitters to regulate mood and reduce stress.
To harness the anxiolytic benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza, it is recommended to use high-quality herbal preparations, such as tea, capsules, or tinctures, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as these products may interact with other medications or have side effects.
Top Preparations:
- Tanshinone
- Injection
- Extract
- Tablets
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Soothes anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tanshinone | Anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety, panic attacks |
| Ligustrazine | Anxiety-related insomnia, social anxiety, phobias |
| Danshensu | Anxiety-induced hypertension, anxiety-related depression, anxiety-induced fatigue |
| Carnosic acid | Anxiety-related cognitive impairment, anxiety-induced sleep disorders, anxiety-related headaches |
| Rosmarinic acid | Anxiety-related digestive issues, anxiety-induced muscle tension, anxiety-related respiratory issues |
3. Improves cardiovascular health
Salvia miltiorrhiza improves cardiovascular health by enhancing blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and preventing the formation of blood clots, ultimately leading to a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke.
This benefit is crucial as cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting millions of people each year and causing significant morbidity and mortality.
The cardiovascular benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including tanshinones, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which exhibit vasodilatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
To harness the cardiovascular benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza, it is best to use it in the form of standardized extracts or herbal teas, which can be consumed orally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Danshen tablet
- Salviae miltiorrhizae tincture
- Standardized extract softgel
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves cardiovascular health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tanshinone | Hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Salvianolic acid a | Ischemia, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis |
| Rosmarinic acid | Vasospasm, cardiac ischemia, hypotension |
| Cryptotanshinone | Cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
4. Lowers cholesterol
Salvia miltiorrhiza lowers cholesterol by reducing the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, in the blood.
This benefit is important because high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes, which are leading causes of death worldwide.
Salvia miltiorrhiza has been found to possess this benefit due to its bioactive constituents, including tanshinones, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which have been shown to have lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects.
To harness this benefit, Salvia miltiorrhiza can be consumed as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or tea, or it can be used in combination with other herbs to create a traditional herbal remedy.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Danshen tincture
- Salvianolic acid capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers cholesterol.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Salvianolic acid | Hypolipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease |
| Tanshinone i | Hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, stroke |
| Danshensu | Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis |
5. Improves angina symptoms
Salvia miltiorrhiza improves angina symptoms by alleviating chest pain and shortness of breath in individuals with coronary heart disease.
This benefit is crucial as angina can severely limit daily activities and lead to decreased quality of life, with symptoms such as pain during physical exertion, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
The plant's ability to improve angina symptoms can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including tanshinones, salvianolic acids, and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
To reap this benefit, Salvia miltiorrhiza can be consumed in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or extracts, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Danshen tincture
- Salvianolate capsules
- Danshen capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves angina symptoms.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tanshinone i | Angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction |
| Salvianolic acid b | Angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction |
| Cistanoside | Angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction |
| Miltirone | Angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction |
| Rosmarinic acid | Angina pectoris, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction |
6. Reduces stress
Salvia miltiorrhiza reduces stress by promoting a state of calmness and relaxation in the mind and body, which is essential for overall well-being and quality of life.
Reducing stress is important because it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive function, allowing individuals to perform daily tasks more efficiently.
The bioactive constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza, including tanshinones and salvianolic acids, are responsible for its stress-reducing properties as they have been shown to possess anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the stress-reducing benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza, it is best used in herbal preparations such as capsules, tablets, or teas, after consulting with a healthcare professional, as these preparations can help ensure a safe and effective dosage.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Danshen tincture
- Tea
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tanshinone | Anxiety, hypertension, insomnia |
| Miltirone | Stress-related depression, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disease |
| Salvianolic acid | Elevated blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety disorders |
7. Enhances immune system
Salvia miltiorrhiza enhances immune system by increasing the body's resistance to infections and diseases, which is a state of being able to fight off pathogens and recover from illness.
This benefit is crucial as it helps to prevent and treat various health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, cancers, and viral infections, by boosting the production of white blood cells and activating immune cells.
The plant's immune-enhancing properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including salvianolic acid, tanshinone I, and baicalin, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities that stimulate immune function.
To harness the immune-enhancing benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or extracts, which can be taken regularly to support immune system health and prevent illness.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Danshen tincture
- Salvianolic acid capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Enhances immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tanshinone i | Sepsis, fever, meningitis |
| Salvianolic acid a | Pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis |
| Miltirone | Malaria, typhoid fever, dysentery |
8. Relaxes blood vessels
Salvia miltiorrhiza relaxes blood vessels by reducing vascular tension and promoting vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels to improve blood flow.
This benefit is crucial as it helps to prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease by improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of blood clots.
The bioactive constituents responsible for this benefit include tanshinones, salvianolic acids, and phenolic acids, which have vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties that help to relax blood vessels and improve cardiovascular health.
To harness the vasodilatory properties of Salvia miltiorrhiza, it can be consumed in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or extracts, or used as a topical application in the form of creams or ointments.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Danshen tincture
- Salvianolic acid capsules
- Tablets
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relaxes blood vessels.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Salvianolic acid a | Hypertension, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris |
| Tanshinone iia | Hypertension, cardiac failure, coronary heart disease |
| Rosmarinic acid | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke |
| Caffeic acid | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, angina pectoris |
| Luteolin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmia |
9. Improves insomnia
Salvia miltiorrhiza improves insomnia, which refers to the inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and decreased quality of life.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who rely on restful sleep for physical and mental well-being, such as students, athletes, and professionals who require sharp thinking and coordination to perform their jobs.
The salutary effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on insomnia are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including tanshinones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have sedative and anxiolytic properties.
To harness the sleep-promoting benefits of Salvia miltiorrhiza, individuals can try consuming it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, typically taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime to promote relaxation and induce a restful night's sleep.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Danshen tincture
- Salvianolic acid capsules
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves insomnia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tanshinone | Restless leg syndrome, anxiety-induced insomnia, sleep apnea |
| Miltirone | Perimenopausal insomnia, menopause-related sleep disturbances, sleep disorders due to anxiety |
| Salvianolic acid a | Circadian rhythm disorders, sleep disturbances due to medication, insomnia in the elderly |