Salvianolic acid, a major bioactive compound extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), has garnered attention for its neuroprotective properties in preclinical studies. Several in vitro and animal model studies suggest that salvianolic acid B in particular exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects that may be beneficial in the context of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). These effects are believed to stem from its ability to scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and modulate signaling pathways involved in neuronal survival, such as the Nrf2 and PI3K/Akt pathways. Some studies report that salvianolic acid B can protect dopaminergic neurons in rodent PD models induced by toxins like MPTP or 6-OHDA, and may help reduce motor deficits and neuronal loss.

However, there is currently no direct clinical evidence in humans supporting the use of salvianolic acid for PD. Most of the supporting data comes from cell cultures or animal studies, and there are no large-scale randomized controlled trials. While traditional use of Danshen for circulatory and neurological health is well-documented in Chinese medicine, its specific application for Parkinson’s Disease is not established in classical texts. Thus, scientific investigation is ongoing, but current evidence is limited and preliminary.