danshen

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Cardiovascular effects: danshen is commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases like angina and high blood pressure. It dilates blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce blood pressure. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: danshen contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as salvianolic acid and tanshinone. These compounds may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. 
• Antioxidant effects: danshen contains compounds with antioxidant properties, such as rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid. These compounds may help to neutralize harmful free radicals and protect against oxidative damage to cells and tissues. 
• Anti-cancer effects: Some studies suggest that danshen may have anti-cancer properties, possibly due to its effects on cellular signaling pathways and gene expression. 
• Anti-microbial effects: danshen has been shown to have activity against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Dizziness 

Allergy 

Headache 

Mild gastrointestinal disturbance 

Reversible thrombocytopenia 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• Allergies 
• Medications 
• Eye conditions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Avoid the use during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Avoid the drug administration during breastfeeding. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show fetal risks in the first or later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Some of the pharmacological effects of danshen include: 

• Cardiovascular effects: danshen has been shown to have various cardiovascular effects, including reducing blood pressure, improving blood flow, and preventing atherosclerosis. It may also have anti-arrhythmic effects. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: danshen has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial in treating various inflammatory conditions. 
• Antioxidant effects: danshen has potent antioxidant properties; it protects cells from oxidative stress and prevents cellular damage. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Neuroprotective effects: Some studies have suggested that danshen may have neuroprotective effects, which may be helpful in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 
• Anti-cancer effects: Some studies have suggested that danshen may have anti-cancer effects, although more research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

danshen is primarily administered orally and is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Their low water solubility limits the absorption of tanshinones, while salvianolic acids are more readily absorbed due to their water solubility. Food can also affect the absorption of danshen, with high-fat meals increasing the bioavailability of tanshinones. 

Distribution 

danshen constituents are distributed throughout the body after absorption, with tanshinones being highly protein-bound in plasma. The distribution of danshen to the brain is limited due to its low lipophilicity. 

Metabolism 

danshen undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver, with tanshinones primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and salvianolic acids metabolized by glucuronidation and sulfation.  

Elimination and Excretion 

danshen metabolites are eliminated primarily through renal excretion, with some excretion occurring through the bile. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

danshen is commonly administered orally in the form of capsules or tablets. The dosage can vary depending on the condition being treated, and it is usually taken two to three times a day. It is recommended to take danshen with meals to enhance its absorption. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: danshen 

Pronounced: dan-shen 

Why do we use danshen? 

• Cardiovascular health: danshen has been traditionally used to promote cardiovascular health by reducing high blood pressure, improving blood flow, and preventing blood clots. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: danshen has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and improving conditions such as arthritis. 
• Antioxidant effects: danshen has potent antioxidant effects, which protects the body against oxidative stress and prevent cellular damage. 
• Neuroprotective effects: danshen has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may help prevent damage to brain cells. 
• Anti-cancer effects: Some studies have suggested that danshen may have anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms.