Salvia miltiorrhiza
What's the taxonomical classification of Salvia miltiorrhiza?
Salvia miltiorrhiza belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Lamiales. The plant is a member of the family Lamiaceae, falling under the genus Salvia, and is specifically identified by its species name, miltiorrhiza.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | miltiorrhiza |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Salvía miltiorrhiza has a perennial growth habit characterized by square stems, opposite leaves, and terminal spikes of bilabiate flowers that range in color from violet to deep blue. The foliage is typically lanceolate or ovate with serrated margins and a textured, somewhat rugose surface. Its inflorescence consists of dense verticillasters arranged along an elongated raceme. The flowers feature a prominent two-lipped corolla, where the upper lip is hooded and the lower lip provides a landing platform for pollinators. This structure is supported by a woody rootstock that allows the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the eastern United States, specifically ranging from southern New England through the Appalachian Mountains and down into the Gulf Coast states. It grows primarily in deciduous forests and along the edges of woodland openings. Many populations are found in the moist, shaded environments of the Piedmont and Blue Ridge provinces. Its presence is often tied to specific soil types found within these temperate forest ecosystems. This distribution pattern highlights its preference for the humid, seasonal climates of the eastern seaboard.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, sandy loam soil and full sun exposure to thrive during its cultivation process.
Growers typically initiate the cycle by sowing seeds in early spring or dividing established clumps in the autumn. Maintaining consistent moisture levels is essential during the germination phase, though the mature roots prefer drier conditions to prevent rot. Regular thinning helps manage the density of the rootstock, which is the primary component harvested for medicinal use.
Once the plant reaches maturity, the roots are carefully excavated and cleaned for processing.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Salvia miltiorrhiza is utilized medicinally through its radix, rhizoma, leaf, flower, and stem. The dried roots, known as radix, are primarily used to clear heat and resolve toxicity in traditional practices. Rhizomes are also harvested to support various therapeutic applications involving the plant's underground structures. The leaves and flowers contain specific bioactive compounds that contribute to the overall medicinal profile of the species. Additionally, the stem may be included in certain preparations to utilize the full range of the plant's properties.
According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", the herb part of Salvia miltiorrhiza used is Radix salvae miltionrrhizae. This herb was tested at high, middle, and low dosages to observe its effects on cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) obtained from rats. The study found that the high, middle, and low dosages of danshen enhanced proliferation significantly with a P < 0.05. These dosages could be dose-dependent in their effect on the cells. Furthermore, the herb might increase the quantitation of vessels on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. These findings suggest that the herb may promote angiogenesis by stimulating the proliferation of CMECs and increasing blood vessels.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- Rhizoma
- Leaf
- Flower
- Stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Salvia miltiorrhiza, is a cornerstone of East Asian herbal medicine used traditionally to treat blood stasis, promote circulation, and regulate menstruation. In the Chinese Material Medica, it is known as Dan Shen and is frequently prescribed to address cardiovascular issues and clear heat from the blood. Practitioners of Kampo in Japan utilize its properties to manage various circulatory disorders and promote the movement of blood. Similarly, Traditional Korean Medicine incorporates the root to treat ailments related to blood stagnation and to support overall vascular health. These diverse medical systems all recognize its potency in modulating blood flow and treating inflammatory conditions.
According to a study published by "Bio-medical materials and engineering", Salvianolic acid B is one of the main medicinal ingredients of Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). A protein interaction network of Salvianolic acid B was constructed with 852 nodes and 8,626 interactions. From this network, 11 modules were detected using a fast agglomerate algorithm based on the edge clustering coefficients. The study found that the anti-inflammatory effect of Salvianolic acid B involves regulating IL-2 family, CD3E, CD79A, MAP3K7 and PRKCQ. These findings relate to the characteristics of Chinese Material Medica as a whole to regulate cardiovascular disease.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chinese Material Medica
- Kampo
- Traditional Korean Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Salvia miltiorrhiza?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, cardiovascular protection, and blood circulation promotion pharmacological activities. Its diverse chemical constituents work to neutralize free radicals, thereby providing significant anti-oxidant support to cellular structures. The plant also helps mitigate systemic inflammation and demonstrates potential in inhibiting the growth of various tumor cells. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds contribute to cardiovascular protection by supporting heart health and improving overall blood circulation promotion. These multifaceted medicinal properties make it a subject of great interest in pharmacological research.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Salvia miltiorrhiza plays a vital role in the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic action during acute myocardial ischemia. This plant contributes to the cardioprotection of the prescription by helping to ameliorate myocardial ischemia in rats. Specifically, Salvia miltiorrhiza can potently modulate the metabolism of the 15 free fatty acids analyzed in the study. The removal of this plant from the prescription resulted in a marked loss of cardioprotection and a loss of mediation regarding free fatty acid metabolism.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- anti-tumor
- cardiovascular protection
- blood circulation promotion
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including Salvianolic acid B, Tanshinone IIA, Rosmarinic acid, Cryptotanshinone, and Danshensu. These specific phytochemicals are primarily responsible for the plant's diverse pharmacological properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Salvianolic acid B and Danshensu are major components often studied for their cardiovascular benefits. The diterpene quinones, specifically Tanshinone IIA and Cryptotanshinone, contribute significantly to the plant's therapeutic potential. Furthermore, the presence of Rosmarinic acid enhances the overall medicinal value of the species.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Salvia miltiorrhiza contains medicinal compounds such as salvianolic acid B (SalB). The study identifies that 15 SPL family genes have been recognized in this medical plant. Research focused on the SmSPL2 transcription factor, which shows its highest transcriptional level in the calyx. The concentration of SalB was significantly decreased in rSmSPL2-overexpressed lines. This SmSPL2 gene can efficiently manipulate the SalB concentration in Salvia miltiorrhiza.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Salvianolic acid B
- Tanshinone IIA
- Rosmarinic acid
- Danshenxinkun A
- Cryptotanshinone
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammation. Its bioactive compounds help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes mellitus. The herb also exhibits protective effects on the heart and blood vessels to combat various cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, its antioxidant properties assist in reducing systemic inflammation and protecting liver cells from damage. Research also suggests its potential in mitigating the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through neuroprotective mechanisms.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Salvia miltiorrhiza is among the medicinal plants well known to treat cardiovascular diseases. These cardiovascular diseases are the world's leading killers, accounting for 30% of deaths. According to the WHO report, cardiovascular diseases kill 17.9 million people per year, and it is projected there will be 22.2 million deaths from these diseases in 2030. The death rate of women by these diseases is 51%, which is higher than the 42% rate for men. The efficacy of 92 plants, including 15 terrestrial plants, was examined in relation to this therapy.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes mellitus
- Liver diseases
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations including 50% ethanol extracts, water-extracts, extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Yixinfumai Granules, and Yindan xinnaotong soft capsules. These diverse formulations allow for different methods of administration and varying concentrations of active compounds. Water-extracts are commonly utilized in traditional decoctions, while ethanol-based preparations capture specific lipid-soluble constituents. Modern pharmaceutical developments have further refined the plant into convenient forms like granules and soft capsules. Each preparation type serves specific therapeutic goals in treating cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Salvia miltiorrhiza is widely used in traditional herbal medicines for relief of a variety of symptoms related to complications arising from vascular diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. In the study, the extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza was investigated for its effect on the up-regulation of the inducible and cytoprotective enzyme HO-1 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The research found that Salvia miltiorrhiza induced HO-1 mRNA expression, protein production, and nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 in these RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, Salvia miltiorrhiza pretreatment reduced intracellular production of reactive oxygen species after stimulation with hydrogen peroxide. This reduction in reactive oxygen species via the induction of HO-1 expression was reversed by the HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP. The findings support that Salvia miltiorrhiza induces HO-1 expression through the PI3K/Akt-MEK1-Nrf2 pathway.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 50% ethanol extracts
- Extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza
- Yixinfumai Granules
- Yindan xinnaotong soft capsules
- water-extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe internal and neurological complications including bleeding, hematemesis, melena, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and subdural hematomas. Consuming Salvia milmiorrhiza may lead to gastrointestinal hemorrhaging manifested as vomiting blood or passing dark, tarry stools. These bleeding issues can escalate into life-threatening intracranial events such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Additionally, the plant is linked to the formation of subdural hematomas within the skull. Such serious side effects highlight the significant physiological risks associated with its ingestion.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", the active components extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza have obvious anticoagulant effects. While these components can be used as potential anticoagulant drugs, the risk of bleeding remains unclear. The study conducted a comprehensive literature search using 4 electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database and ClinicalTrials.gov. This research covers information from the inception of the study up to 28 Feb 2023.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- bleeding
- hematemesis
- melena
- subarachnoid hemorrhage
- subdural hematomas
What herbs are paired with Salvia miltiorrhiza?
This plant Salvia miltiorrhiza pairs most effectively with warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and licorice to balance its cooling properties.
These combinations are frequently used in traditional formulations to enhance digestive support and circulation. Pairing it with peppermint can also help to brighten its earthy profile while soothing the stomach. When blending with floral notes such as jasmine, the medicinal bitterness of the sage is softened for a more palatable infusion.
These strategic mixtures ensure that the therapeutic essence of the plant is both optimized and well-rounded.