Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese salvia root
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chinese salvia root (Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as Danshen) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis. In TCM theory, psoriasis is often attributed to "blood heat" and "blood stasis," making Danshen a common ingredient in herbal formulas for skin conditions, including psoriasis. Several historical and modern TCM texts recommend salvia root for chronic skin diseases due to its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microcirculatory benefits.

Scientifically, there is limited but emerging evidence suggesting that compounds found in salvia root, such as tanshinones and salvianolic acids, may have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Some in vitro and animal studies indicate these compounds can inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress, both of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating Danshen for psoriasis are sparse, and most evidence comes from small studies or is extrapolated from its general anti-inflammatory effects.

In summary, the use of Chinese salvia root for psoriasis is primarily justified by traditional practice, with a modest but growing body of preclinical scientific evidence. However, robust clinical validation is lacking, and its efficacy and safety for this specific indication have not been firmly established through modern research.

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