Synopsis

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

Chinese salvia root (Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Danshen) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily for promoting blood circulation and treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. Its use in depression is largely rooted in traditional practices rather than robust modern scientific validation. In TCM theory, depression is often conceptualized as “stagnation” of Qi or blood, and Danshen is believed to help alleviate this stagnation.

A handful of preclinical studies—mostly in animal models—suggest that certain compounds in Danshen, such as tanshinones and salvianolic acids, may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, which could theoretically influence mood regulation. Some early-stage research indicates potential antidepressant-like effects through modulation of neurotransmitter systems, such as serotonin and dopamine, or by reducing neuroinflammation. However, these studies are limited, often not reproduced in humans, and typically use extracts or compounds in isolation rather than whole-root preparations.

There are very few high-quality clinical trials directly evaluating Danshen’s efficacy for depression in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or comes from traditional practice, rather than from randomized, placebo-controlled studies. As such, while Danshen continues to be used in TCM for mood and emotional imbalances, its use for depression is best characterized as traditional, with only modest and preliminary scientific support.

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