Synopsis

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

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is prescribed for cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension. Scientifically, several preclinical studies and some small clinical trials have investigated Danshen’s effects on blood pressure and vascular health. The primary active constituents include tanshinones and salvianolic acids, which are thought to exert vasodilatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Animal studies consistently show that Danshen extracts can reduce blood pressure, likely through mechanisms such as nitric oxide production and calcium channel blockade.

However, clinical evidence in humans is limited and generally of low methodological quality. Some small randomized controlled trials have reported modest reductions in blood pressure in patients with mild or moderate hypertension, particularly when Danshen is used as an adjunct to conventional antihypertensive medications. Systematic reviews highlight these findings but also emphasize significant limitations, including small sample sizes, short follow-up durations, and high risk of bias.

Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence supporting the use of Danshen for hypertension, the quality and quantity of data are insufficient for firm conclusions or for recommending its use as a primary treatment. Further large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish safety and efficacy.

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