DANSHEN Overview Information
Danshen is an herb. People use the root to make medicine.
Danshen is used for circulation problems, “brain attack” (stroke), chest pain (angina pectoris), and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It is also used for menstrual disorders, chronic liver disease, and trouble sleeping caused by complaints such as rapid heartbeat and tight chest. Some people use danshen for skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is also used to relieve bruising and to aid in wound healing.
How does it work?
Danshen appears to thin the blood by preventing platelet and blood clotting. It also causes blood vessels to widen, and this can improve circulation.
DANSHEN Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Blood circulation problems.
- Stroke.
- Chest pain and other heart diseases.
- Menstrual problems.
- Abdominal masses.
- Sleeplessness (insomnia) due to chest complaints.
- Acne.
- Skin conditions.
- Bruising.
- Chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis).
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
DANSHEN Side Effects & Safety
Danshen seems to be safe for most people. It can cause some side effects, including itching, upset stomach, and reduced appetite.
There is some concern that it might also cause drowsiness, dizziness, and a blood condition called thrombocytopenia. But there isn't enough information to know for sure if danshen causes these side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of danshen during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Bleeding disorders: There is a concern that danshen might increase the risk of bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder, don’t use it.
Surgery: Danshen can slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using danshen at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
DANSHEN Interactions
Major Interaction Do not take this combination
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with DANSHEN
Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Danshen also seems to affect the heart. Taking danshen along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take danshen if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with DANSHEN
Danshen might slow blood clotting. Taking danshen along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others. - Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with DANSHEN
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Danshen might increase how long warfarin (Coumadin) is in the body, and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
DANSHEN Dosing
The appropriate dose of danshen depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for danshen. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
