In Chinese: dan means red, shen means root, "red root". Danshen was dried in the sun, stored in clay pots, and used when it was necessary to "clear the blood path" and calm the heart. Where blood flows freely, cells breathe better, tissues recover faster, and the body accumulates less fatigue. A simple metaphor about movement.
Today, this poetic formula can be explained in terms of biochemistry. It refers to the work of microscopic structures that determine how the body obtains energy and responds to stress. The ancient idea of "cleansing the blood path" today means supporting healthy microcirculation, protecting the endothelium, and improving cell renewal. It is the same principle, only described in different words.
The vascular endothelium is a thin inner layer of cells that lines the inside of blood vessels and controls their condition. It regulates how blood vessels expand, how they respond to changes in the body's needs, and whether blood can pass through even the smallest capillaries. Modern cardiology is increasingly turning its attention to red sage, using its extract to maintain arterial elasticity and prevent the formation of dangerous microthrombi.
Microcirculation—the movement of blood in the capillary network that supplies muscles, skin, brain, and internal organs—depends on the functioning of the endothelium. If microcirculation is impaired, tissues receive less oxygen and recovery slows down.
Oxidative stress, an excess of certain molecules that damage cells, also affects the condition of blood vessels. When this process is severe, the endothelium loses its elasticity, blood vessels react more severely, and blood flows less freely.
Finally, regeneration is the ability of tissues to repair themselves. It becomes more effective when microcirculation is good, the endothelium is protected, and oxidative stress levels are low.
History and traditional use
Danshen, or red root sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza), has a long history of use dating back nearly two thousand years. Its early descriptions are linked to the pharmacological tradition of China in the first centuries AD. Although the original text of Shennong Bencao Jing, dating from approximately the 1st-2nd centuries AD, has not survived in its original form, in later editions and commentaries this plant already appears as a high-quality and mild-acting remedy. It is through these sources that the tradition of considering Danshen to be a "superior herb" — one that can be used for a long time without risk — has been formed.
The scientist and editor Tao Hongjing played a particularly important role in preserving early pharmacological knowledge. In the 5th–6th centuries (the period of the Southern and Northern Dynasties, approximately 420–589), he created an expanded and systematised version of the classical treatise. It is in these commentaries and compilations that Danshen is described as a plant that "dispels blood stasis," "clears the way," and at the same time "calms the heart." In the medical logic of the time, this meant improving blood circulation, reducing internal tension, and maintaining emotional balance.
During the Tang dynasty (7th-10th centuries), Chinese medical culture became more systematic. It was then that the famous medical encyclopaedia Xin Xiu Ben Cao (659) appeared, created by imperial decree. In it, Danshen is already described as a remedy that is important for blood circulation and relieving chest pain. These sources confirm that the herb occupied a prominent place in recipes related to stagnant processes and internal heat.
During the Song dynasty (10th–13th centuries), herbal medicine underwent a period of active improvement. Medical commentaries of the time paid increasing attention to methods of harvesting plants, drying conditions, and regional differences in the quality of raw materials. Danshen remained an important part of prescriptions used for chest pain, headaches, menstrual disorders and tension. It was often combined with 'blood-moving' herbs, such as sophora or peony.
In the following centuries, especially during the Ming (14th–17th centuries) and Qing (17th–early 20th centuries) dynasties, knowledge about Danshen continued to be refined. Treatises from this period emphasised the plant's "subtle" effect: it is strong enough to eliminate stagnation, but at the same time mild, making it suitable for long-term use. There are also references to the difference between roots harvested in different provinces and the influence of drying methods on the quality of the raw material. An understanding of Danshen as a plant that affects not only physical symptoms but also emotional state began to form. Its red colour and connection to the heart made it a symbol of harmonious movement and inner balance.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Danshen had already become a staple ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine recipes. It was used to treat congestion, emotional tension, chest pain and circulatory disorders. It became part of a medical culture that combined practical observations with poetic formulas. It was precisely this long history of use, from the first treatises of the 1st–2nd centuries to the end of the imperial era, that established Danshen's reputation as one of the most important plants in Eastern herbal medicine.
In the Japanese tradition of Kampo medicine, Danshen is known as Danshen (丹参) and is included in the Keishibukuryogan and Danshenyin formulas, both of which are aimed at supporting blood circulation, women's health and heart function. This indicates that knowledge of the plant spread far beyond China as early as the early Middle Ages.
From the perspective of ancient philosophy, the movement of blood symbolised life, while its stagnation symbolised ageing. Therefore, anything that stimulated blood flow was considered a factor in the continuation of the rhythm of life. In this context, Dan Shen became a symbol of inner balance — the ability to move without excess or stagnation.
The main secret of the plant's effectiveness lies in the composition of sage, where diterpene quinones play a key role, capable of stimulating tissue regeneration at a deep level.
What modern science says
Modern phytotherapy considers Danshen to be one of the best-studied representatives of the sage genus. Its root contains a complex of phenolic compounds that affect the vascular wall, microcirculation, and cellular metabolism. The main ones are tanshinones and salvinorin.
Active substances and mechanisms of action
Tanshinones (especially tanshinone I and IIA) are fat-soluble compounds with pronounced antioxidant potential. They reduce excess free radicals, stabilise cell membranes and support the normal functioning of the endothelium, the inner layer of blood vessels responsible for their tone and elasticity.
Another group of substances is phenolic acids, including salvinorin and danchinic acid. These compounds affect blood microcirculation, improving red blood cell fluidity and oxygen exchange in tissues. According to reviews in the PubMed database, regular use of standardised Danshen extracts helps to reduce oxidative stress and normalise vascular response in models of ischaemia and hypertension.
Effects on the heart and blood vessels
Clinical observations published in Cochrane Review and Phytomedicine confirm that sage for blood vessels can improve endothelial function, help normalize blood pressure, and reduce the tendency to form blood clots. Its effect is explained by the dilation of peripheral blood vessels and a moderate decrease in blood viscosity.
In Chinese and Korean clinics, Danshen extract is included in rehabilitation programmes for ischaemic diseases and heart surgery. In most such programmes, it is used as an adjunct to maintain microcirculation, regenerate tissue and reduce inflammation. At the same time, scientific sources emphasise that this effect does not replace drug treatment, but complements it at the level of preventive support.
When used correctly, the benefits of red sage root become noticeable within a few weeks: heaviness in the legs disappears, complexion improves, and overall endurance increases.
Its particular value lies in protecting blood vessels: sage for women over 40 helps reduce the risk of age-related changes in the cardiovascular system and improves overall well-being.
Comprehensive joint support
The use of red root as sage for joints is particularly important in naturopathy, as its ability to improve blood microcirculation directly affects the nutrition of cartilage tissue and the removal of inflammatory edema. By improving blood flow and strengthening capillary walls, the plant helps deliver nutrients even to those parts of the musculoskeletal system that usually suffer from congestion. This makes it an excellent aid for those who want to maintain flexibility and ease of movement.
At the same time, due to its specific effect on peripheral blood supply, this plant is often recommended as an effective sage for men. Regular intake helps maintain the elasticity of large arteries and protects the heart muscle from overload, which is extremely important for men's health at any age. Thus, by working through the vascular system, the plant has a complex healing effect on the entire body.
Use in dentistry
The plant's natural antiseptic properties make it indispensable in oral care, especially when used for the gums. Thanks to its high content of tannins and essential oils, it effectively reduces bleeding, reduces swelling of soft tissues, and promotes healing of minor wounds. Regular rinsing helps maintain periodontal health by creating a protective barrier against pathogenic bacteria.
This effect indirectly makes sage beneficial for teeth, as healthy oral microflora prevents enamel destruction and the development of cervical caries. In addition, at the first signs of a cold, experts recommend using sage for the throat: it quickly localizes inflammation, softens the mucous membrane, and relieves sore throat. The combined use of the infusion allows you to simultaneously take care of fresh breath and strong local immunity.
Impact on the reproductive system and women's health
In gynecological practice, sage is often used to promote ovulation, as the phytoestrogens it contains help the body naturally prepare the dominant follicle. By stimulating the ovaries, the plant promotes the growth of the endometrium, which is extremely important for women planning to conceive. However, due to its high biological activity, such courses should be carried out under strict cycle control so as not to cause the opposite effect.
Sage is no less popular among women during menopause, as it effectively relieves hot flashes and reduces excessive sweating. The plant helps stabilize the psycho-emotional background and reduce the sharp pressure surges characteristic of this period. Thanks to its mild estrogen-like effect, it allows the body to adapt more easily to hormonal changes without the use of synthetic drugs.
Despite all its benefits, it is important to remember that sage is strictly not recommended for pregnant women to take internally. The plant can provoke uterine contractions or affect progesterone levels, which creates unnecessary risks at any stage. During this period, only external use or gargling is allowed, but any other forms of use should be postponed until the end of breastfeeding.
Role in gastrointestinal tract function
The plant provides comprehensive support to the digestive organs, starting with the upper sections. Sage is beneficial for the stomach due to its antispasmodic properties: it helps relieve heaviness and regulate secretion in cases of low acidity. Moving through the digestive tract, the active components have a beneficial effect on the lower sections, which is why sage is often recommended for the intestines to combat flatulence and suppress pathogenic flora, promoting comfortable digestion and regular cleansing.
The detoxification function of the plant plays an important role. Using sage for the liver can improve bile flow and protect hepatocytes from toxic environmental influences. At the same time, its mild diuretic effect justifies the use of sage for the kidneys, as it helps to remove excess salts and prevents stagnation in the urinary system without creating excessive stress on the organ.
For those who watch their figure, sage for weight loss will be a pleasant bonus. Its effectiveness in this regard is due not only to the removal of excess fluid, but also to its ability to suppress false feelings of hunger and speed up metabolism. Combined with a balanced diet, the plant helps the body break down fats faster and maintain skin tone during weight loss.
Application in trichology
The natural power of the plant has found wide application in beauty care, especially when it is necessary to restore vitality to weakened curls. Using sage for hair can significantly strengthen the roots and stop excessive hair loss. Thanks to its high content of tannins and antioxidants, infusions based on this plant effectively cleanse the scalp, eliminating dandruff and excess oiliness, which makes the hair more voluminous and healthy. In addition, regular rinsing helps to restore the structure of the hair shaft, giving it a mirror-like shine and rich color.
Antioxidant and neuroprotective potential
In addition to its effects on blood vessels, Danshen shows potential in protecting the nervous system. Studies in animals and cell models suggest that tanshinones may reduce neuronal damage during ischaemia, improve blood supply to the brain, and maintain cellular energy balance.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reference book mentions Danshen as a plant with promising properties for maintaining cardiovascular and cerebral circulation. Experts note that the product is considered safe in moderate doses, but requires consultation with a doctor in case of concomitant diseases or taking medications that affect blood clotting.
Who might find Danshen useful and when
Danshen is one of those plants whose effects are noticed gradually. It does not produce a rapid effect, but influences mechanisms related to blood supply, cellular respiration and vascular endothelial regeneration. Therefore, it is mainly used as an auxiliary component in prevention and recovery programmes.
Danshen attracts the attention of researchers precisely because of its effect on the cardiovascular system. Its active compounds – tanshinones and phenolic acids – can reduce oxidative stress, improve microcirculation and maintain the elasticity of blood vessel walls.
Potential in cardiovascular disorders
Clinical observations show that Danshen may be beneficial for people with mild to moderate cardiovascular disorders when used as a supplement to primary treatment.
A 2022 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology investigated eight forms of Salvia miltiorrhiza-based injectable preparations in patients with unstable angina. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in coronary blood flow and a reduction in the frequency of chest pain attacks.
Other publications indicate that tanshinones activate the PI3K/Akt and GSK-3β pathways, reducing cardiac cell apoptosis and improving myocardial nutrition. This may be useful in the rehabilitation phase after ischaemic events or for the prevention of risk groups.
At the same time, some studies have not found a significant effect of water extract on blood pressure or blood lipid levels (PLoS One, 2015). This suggests that effectiveness depends on the form, dose, and duration of use.
Overall, scientific data suggests that Danshen has a mild supportive effect:
- improvement of peripheral blood circulation and microcirculation;
- reduction in oxidative stress in heart cells;
- possible improvement in tissue regeneration after ischaemia;
- maintaining endothelial function, which is important for preventing thrombosis.
For people with chronic cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, varicose insufficiency), Danshen may be useful as a nutritional supplement, provided that its use is agreed with a doctor.
In phytotherapy practice, it is often included in preventive complexes for people with a sedentary lifestyle, fluctuations in blood pressure, manifestations of vascular "fatigue" or "heavy legs". Such use makes sense as part of a general approach – along with exercise, adequate water consumption and stress management.
Chronic stress and sleep disturbances are often accompanied by changes in vascular tone. Danshen supports adaptive mechanisms through its antioxidant and mild sedative effects, as described in several reviews in Phytomedicine. These properties of sage can help people experiencing emotional exhaustion or fatigue.
Recovery after illness or during the off-season
After infections, intoxications or courses of medication, the body needs better oxygen delivery to the tissues. The antioxidant activity of tanshinones helps reduce inflammation at the cellular level, and improved microcirculation promotes faster recovery.
For people with mental stress
For people whose work involves constant mental strain, sage is a real lifesaver for the brain, as its active components improve oxygen flow to neurons and accelerate thought processes. Improved blood circulation also has a positive effect on brain function. Several Asian clinics use Danshen in comprehensive cognitive function support programmes, where it is combined with Schisandra chinensis or Bacopa monnieri. This combination is aimed at improving concentration and reducing the effects of stress without a stimulating effect.
Forms of application
Over a century of use, Danshen has taken on various forms, each with its own characteristics, rate of action, and method of incorporation into daily rituals. Traditional Chinese medicine began with the simplest form: dried root, which was ground and brewed in the same way as other medicinal plants. The root powder was considered the closest to its natural form and was prepared as an infusion: one teaspoon was poured with hot water, left to steep and drunk once or twice a day. This method allowed for the extraction of water-soluble compounds, primarily phenolic acids, which are responsible for the antioxidant effect. At the same time, it released almost no tanshinones, the main fat-soluble molecules in Danshen, which have a more profound effect on the vascular system. Therefore, water infusions have historically been a form of mild daily support, easily combined with other herbs or mushroom decoctions.
Another traditional form was tincture. In China, it was used when a more concentrated fraction of active substances was required. Tanshinones dissolve better in an alcoholic medium, so the tincture allowed substances that did not dissolve in water to be transferred into the solution. The powder or crushed root was infused for two weeks, shaken from time to time, and a concentrate was obtained, which was taken in several dozen drops. This method has its limitations - it is not suitable for those who avoid alcohol and need to be cautious in cases of cardiovascular or liver disorders. But historically, it was the way to achieve a deeper effect of Danshen, especially when it was used to disperse severe congestive conditions.
Over time, with the advent of standardised extraction technologies, Danshen took on its modern form – capsules containing concentrated dry extract. This is no longer simply ground root, but a purified and stabilised fraction containing tanshinones in predictable concentrations. Capsules became the answer to the need for accurate dosing and the ability to combine intake with a dynamic pace of life. They do not need to be brewed, infused or combined with other ingredients – just take them with water. For people who value controllability and repeatability of results, this form has become the most convenient.
Tea combinations in which Danshen works not alone but together with mushrooms or adaptogens occupy a special place. Such combinations usually served as mild preventive support. Danshen with rosehip and auricularia for vascular balance, in combination with which – for antioxidant balance, and together with ashwagandha – for stabilising emotional state and better adaptation to stress. These are not medicinal decoctions, but daily drinks, taken in small sips throughout the day, gradually supporting the body.
Despite the abundance of forms, the principles of use remain similar. It is usually recommended to start with minimal doses, observe the body's reaction, and only then move on to twice-daily intake. After several weeks of systematic use, it is advisable to take a break, allowing the body to restore its sensitivity to the active compounds. This is how most Eastern phytoprotocols work: they are designed for rhythm, not instant effects.
Contraindications for Danshen
Danshen is considered a relatively mild plant, but it has a number of limitations that should be known. It is not recommended during pregnancy, in cases of blood clotting disorders and simultaneous use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, as the plant can enhance their effect. Given the contraindications for sage, people with low blood pressure should also exercise caution, as Danshen sometimes exacerbates hypotension. It is also contraindicated in cases of active bleeding, severe heart rhythm disorders, before planned surgery, and in cases where doctors prohibit the use of agents that affect vascular tone.
Danshen should not be used by children or people with alcohol restrictions when it comes to tinctures. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking sage for chronic heart, liver, or kidney diseases, not because of its toxicity, but because of the possibility of interaction with prescribed medications.
In most cases, Danshen is well tolerated, but like any active herbal remedy, it requires caution and an individual approach.
Conclusion
Danshen is an example of how a plant can evolve from a simple dried root to a modern standardised extract without losing its original meaning. Its effect on the cardiovascular system is now explained by understandable physiological mechanisms, but traditional logic also remains relevant: form does not matter. The powder provides gentle, natural support; the extract in capsules provides precision and predictability; and the combined drinks create a broader effect for balance and endurance.
When studying sage, the beneficial properties and composition of this plant, it is impossible not to be amazed at how nature has combined antioxidants, vitamins, and rare acids in one root.
The best effect of Danshen is not achieved through short courses, but through a systematic approach – when it is taken regularly, combined with exercise, adequate sleep and a controlled daily routine.
Caution
This material is for informational purposes only. Danshen is not a medicine.
Before using any form, we recommend consulting your doctor or a specialist in herbal medicine.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
People with cardiovascular or endocrine diseases, as well as those taking medication (especially anticoagulants), should consult their doctor before taking this product.
