Salvianolic acid, a major bioactive compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), has been researched for its effects on the vascular system, particularly capillaries and microcirculation. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that salvianolic acid exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial-protective properties. These mechanisms are relevant to capillary health, as oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are key contributors to capillary fragility and impaired microvascular function.

Animal studies and cell-based experiments suggest that salvianolic acid can reduce capillary leakage, improve microcirculatory blood flow, and protect against vascular injury by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing inflammation. Some clinical trials in China have used Danshen extracts containing salvianolic acids to treat microcirculatory disturbances, although these studies often use combination formulas and are generally of modest methodological quality.

While direct, large-scale, high-quality clinical trials focusing on salvianolic acid alone for capillary support in humans are limited, the scientific rationale for its use is supported by a growing body of laboratory and animal research, along with some preliminary clinical evidence. Therefore, its use to support capillary health is grounded in scientific research, though more robust human studies are needed to confirm efficacy.