Salvia miltiorrhiza
Red sage
Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as the mountain sage, is a perennial herb native to specific high-altitude regions. Renowned for its aromatic foliage and striking blooms, this medicinal plant contains bioactive compounds traditionally used to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and provide calming effects within various holistic healing practices.
- Scientific name: Salvia miltiorrhiza
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, falling into the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Salvia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Salvia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is known as Rotwurzel-Salbei, while in East Asian traditions, it is widely referred to as 丹参 in both Chinese (zh) and Japanese (ja). Similarly, it is called 단삼 in Korean (ko) and Đan sâm in Vietnamese (vi).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Rotwurzel-Salbei | Wikidata |
| ja | 丹参 | Wikidata |
| ko | 단삼 | Wikidata |
| vi | Đan sâm | Wikidata |
| zh | 丹参 | Wikidata |
| th | ตังเซียม | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 丹參 | Wikidata |
| mk | Даншен | Wikidata |
| wuu | 丹参 | Wikidata |
| lzh | 丹參 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Moving beyond mainland China, the species is also found throughout Eastern Asia, specifically in Korea. Additionally, its range extends into the Indo-China region, where it is documented in Vietnam. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse environmental settings where the plant thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza, possesses a complex underground structure consisting of a thick, fleshy rhizome that serves as a vital storage organ. From this central system, the plant develops extensive roots, which are primarily harvested for their medicinal properties. Among these, the hairy roots are characteristic of the species, adding to the intricate network of the subterranean anatomy. Above the ground, the plant is characterized by its lush, green leaves, which complete its morphological profile. Whether focusing on the primary root or the larger rhizome, each part plays a significant role in the plant's biological function and therapeutic value.- Total parts
- 48
- Scientific sources
- 155
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 30 | ★★★★★ |
| root | 20 | ★★★★★ |
| hairy roots | 20 | ★★★★★ |
| leaves | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| rhizome | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| dried root | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| stems | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Roots | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| stem | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Salvia miltiorrhiza has 304 reported phytochemicals identified across 780 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, tanshinone, tanshinone IIA, tanshinone I.
- Total chemicals
- 304
- Scientific sources
- 780
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cryptotanshinone | 44 | ★★★★★ |
| salvianolic acid B | 43 | ★★★★★ |
| tanshinone | 43 | ★★★★★ |
| tanshinone IIA | 41 | ★★★★★ |
| tanshinone I | 34 | ★★★★★ |
| rosmarinic acid | 29 | ★★★★★ |
| Salvianolic acid B | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| Tanshinone IIA | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| dihydrotanshinone I | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| phenolic acid | 13 | ★★★★★ |
Activities
Salvia miltiorrhiza has 27 reported activities identified across 65 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticoagulant, Antifibrotic.
- Total activities
- 27
- Scientific sources
- 65
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Anticoagulant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antifibrotic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antithrombotic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Salvia miltiorrhiza has 180 reported medicinal uses identified across 351 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular diseases.
- Total uses
- 180
- Scientific sources
- 351
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiovascular diseases | 38 | ★★★★★ |
| cancer | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| oxidative stress | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| cardiovascular disease | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| cerebrovascular diseases | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| atherosclerosis | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| hypertension | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| myocardial infarction | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| breast cancer | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| inflammation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |