Overview

Danshen (Salvia bowleyana) is a root commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is often combined with other herbs, such as Panax notoginseng.

Over 35 formulations used in TCM contain danshen. Chemicals in danshen might help with blood thinning. They might also help widen blood vessels, which can improve circulation.

People use danshen for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Danshen is sometimes called Chinese red sage, Chinese sage, red root safe, and red Sage. Don't confuse this with sage. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for DANSHEN overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Danshen is possibly safe. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include upset stomach, itching, and reduced appetite.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Danshen is possibly safe. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include upset stomach, itching, and reduced appetite.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if danshen is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Danshen might increase the risk of bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder, don't use it.

Low blood pressure: Danshen might lower blood pressure. Taking danshen might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.

Surgery: Danshen might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using danshen at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with DANSHEN

    Digoxin 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 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 blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with DANSHEN

    Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Danshen might increase how long warfarin stays in the body and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of warfarin might need to be changed.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with DANSHEN

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Danshen might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Midazolam (Versed) interacts with DANSHEN

    Midazolam is changed and broken down by the body. Danshen might increase how quickly midazolam is broken down by the body. This might decrease the effects of midazolam.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with DANSHEN

    Danshen might lower blood pressure. Taking danshen along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Aspirin interacts with DANSHEN

    Taking danshen along with aspirin might increase how much aspirin is in the blood. This might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with DANSHEN

    Clopidogrel is changed and broken down by the liver. Danshen might decrease how quickly clopidogrel is changed and broken down by the liver. This might increase the effects and side effects of clopidogrel.

  • Fexofenadine (Allegra) interacts with DANSHEN

    Danshen might increase the amount of fexofenadine that gets absorbed by the body. This might increase the amount of fexofenadine in the body, which might increase side effects.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with DANSHEN

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Danshen might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with DANSHEN

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Danshen might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) substrates) interacts with DANSHEN

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Danshen might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein substrates) interacts with DANSHEN

    Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Danshen might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor) interacts with DANSHEN

    Danshen might increase levels of rosuvastatin in the blood. This might increase the effects and side effects of rosuvastatin.

  • Amlodipine (Norvasc) interacts with DANSHEN

    Taking danshen along with amlodipine might decrease how much amlodipine is in the blood. This might decrease the effects of amlodipine.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated drugs) interacts with DANSHEN

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Danshen might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

Danshen has most often been taken by mouth by adults for up to 2 years in a special formulation called compound danshen dripping pills. These pills contain a combination of danshen, Panax nontoginseng, and borneol. Danshen is also sometimes taken by mouth alone or with other ingredients. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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