Synopsis

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

Salvianolic acid, a major water-soluble component extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), has been investigated for its cardiovascular protective effects, including potential benefits in angina pectoris. Preclinical studies have shown that salvianolic acid possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and vasodilatory properties, which are believed to contribute to improved coronary blood flow and protection against myocardial ischemia. Several animal studies and small clinical trials have reported that Danshen preparations (which contain salvianolic acid among other compounds) may help alleviate symptoms of angina, reduce frequency of attacks, and improve ECG findings, possibly by decreasing oxidative stress and enhancing endothelial function.

However, the direct clinical evidence specifically for salvianolic acid as a single agent in the treatment of angina is limited. Most human studies have investigated whole Danshen extracts or complex formulas, making it difficult to isolate the effects of salvianolic acid alone. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest potential efficacy but also point out methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and inconsistent outcome measures. As a result, while there is some scientific basis for the use of salvianolic acid (primarily from laboratory and animal studies, and to a lesser extent from human studies involving Danshen), the overall quality of the evidence supporting its use for angina is modest and not definitive. More rigorous, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety for this condition.

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