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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Chinese salvia root (Salvia miltiorrhiza, also known as Danshen) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), primarily for improving blood circulation and treating cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions. In TCM theory, Emphysema is often associated with "phlegm obstruction" and "blood stasis" in the lungs, and Danshen has been prescribed to "invigorate blood," reduce inflammation, and support lung function. However, while this traditional rationale exists, there is very limited direct scientific evidence specifically evaluating Danshen for emphysema. A few preclinical studies suggest that Danshen extracts may exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically be beneficial in chronic lung diseases. Nonetheless, there are no well-designed clinical trials demonstrating clear efficacy in emphysema patients. As such, its use for emphysema is justified primarily by tradition, and the evidence supporting this application is weak (rated 1/5). While Danshen is widely studied for cardiovascular conditions, its application for emphysema remains largely anecdotal and based on historical usage, not modern clinical science.

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