Danshen
Useful mainly for people exploring a traditional cardiovascular adjunct under medical supervision.
Quick decision guide
May help most
people exploring a traditional cardiovascular adjunct under medical supervision
Common dosing range
9–15 g/day dried root as a decoction; extracts vary by product
When to expect effects
Weeks
Watch out for
Raises bleeding risk and can increase INR with warfarin
What is it
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a perennial flowering plant whose red roots are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular conditions. It is sometimes called 'red sage' or 'Chinese salvia.'
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
cardiovascular support Limited Evidence | Modest | adults with ischemic heart disease using it as an adjunct to standard therapy | Weeks |
cardiovascular support
- Effect
- Modest
- Best fit
- adults with ischemic heart disease using it as an adjunct to standard therapy
- Time
- Weeks
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
cardiovascular support
Disease adjunctDanshen's tanshinones and salvianolic acids produce vasodilation, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory effects, and it is widely used in China for ischemic heart disease and stroke, mainly as injectable formulations. Evidence for oral supplements is more limited and suggests only modest cardiovascular benefit, and trial quality is variable. It is one of the more studied TCM herbs, but oral-supplement data do not establish hard-outcome benefit.
Bottom line: A traditional cardiovascular adjunct with modest oral evidence; the strongest data come from injectable forms not used as supplements.
Evidence is mixed
Robust findings derive largely from injectable preparations and Chinese-language trials of mixed quality, limiting how far they extend to oral supplements.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
2 commercial forms
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Dried root (decoction)
Traditional preparation.
Water extraction captures salvianolic acids.
Standardized extract
Modern supplement form.
Concentrated tanshinone and salvianolic acid content.
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
increased bleeding risk, especially with anticoagulants
Who should avoid it
- people on anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs without supervision
- those approaching surgery
- pregnant or breastfeeding women
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Use with caution and avoid without medical supervision; safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
Interactions
can increase INR and bleeding risk
additive bleeding risk
may alter metabolism of co-administered drugs
Documented interactions
Evidence-graded pair pages with sources, dosing notes, and timing guidance — a complement to the narrative section above.
See all 1 Danshen interaction →Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
Can I take danshen with my blood thinner?⌄
No, not without medical supervision. Danshen significantly increases bleeding risk with warfarin and other anticoagulants.
References by claim
Track Danshen with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.