What Is DanShen Used For?

           A familiar presence in the classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) was first documented in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), where it was classified as a “superior-grade” herb. Li Shizhen, in the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), further praised its ability to “invigorate the blood, unblock the pericardium meridian, and alleviate hernia pain.” In these few words lies the core value of this plant — to safeguard the vital pivot of human qi and blood circulation through its power of activating blood and unblocking vessels.

          When ancient Eastern wisdom meets modern science, Danshen has transformed from a medicinal herb in ancient texts into a star ingredient in the global health industry. Its extracts, leveraging unique bioactive properties, are shining in areas such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular care, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, and tissue repair, serving as a golden bridge connecting traditional herbal wisdom with modern wellness.

          While Traditional Chinese Medicine typically employs Danshen in the form of "chewed slices decocted in water," modern technology has unlocked its value with precision. Among these advancements, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) acts as a "component detective" — much like using sieves of varying mesh sizes to separate sand and stones. By leveraging the "affinity differences" of components between the stationary and mobile phases, HPLC allows over 70 active compounds in Danshen to be distinctly isolated and identified. This technology not only deciphers the “medicinal code” of Danshen but also propels its application from "experience-based usage" to "scientifically validated efficacy," laying a solid foundation for its acceptance in the international market.

Separated via HPLC, the active compounds in Danshen fall into two main categories:

• Water-soluble phenolic acid derivatives (27 types): Centered around salvianolic acids—such as danshensu, salvianolic acids A-K, and rosmarinic acid—these act like “swords in water,” excelling at promoting blood circulation and providing antioxidant effects.

• Lipophilic diterpenoids (over 50 types): Represented by tanshinones—including tanshinone I, IIA, IIB, and cryptotanshinone—these resemble “elite troops in lipids,” known for their antibacterial properties and protective benefits for the heart and brain.

Among them, tanshinone IIA, though constituting only 0.1%–0.9% of the raw herb, has emerged as the leading agent among lipophilic components due to its remarkable pharmacological activity—embodying the herbal philosophy that “scarcity often accompanies extraordinary potency.”

          The remarkable efficacy of Danshen stems from the "synergistic teamwork" of its components. The following are the "star ingredients" of greatest interest to global clients, along with their evidence-based functions:

1. Salvianolic Acid B – "The King of Antioxidants"

          If free radicals are like "rust corroding the machinery" within the body, Salvianolic Acid B acts as a "powerful rust remover." Studies show that its antioxidant capacity surpasses that of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and mannitol, efficiently scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation, thereby providing a "protective shield" for heart and brain cells. It also offers triple cardiovascular protection:

• Brain Protection: Mitigates ischemia-reperfusion injury, akin to "delivering oxygen to oxygen-deprived brain cells."

• Heart Protection: Alleviates microvascular damage in the myocardium, like "applying a soothing balm to fatigued heart muscle."

• Disease Prevention: Helps prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, comparable to "an anti-fouling coating for blood vessels."

2. Danshensu and Sodium Danshensu – "Microcirculation Managers"

          Danshensu functions like a "miniature vasodilator," improving cellular metabolism under ischemia and hypoxia, dilating coronary arteries, and inhibiting platelet aggregation, ensuring blood flows "smoothly and unobstructed" through microvessels. Its sodium salt form, Sodium Danshensu, adds "versatile capabilities": protecting the myocardium, preventing thrombosis, lowering blood lipids, promoting wound repair (while preventing excessive scar formation), and even "soothing" damaged liver tissue, making it a true "all-rounder."

3. Salvianolic Acid A – "Emergency Rescuer"

          Specializing in "critical moments," it acts like "a fast-acting heart stabilizer" in treating angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction. It also shows significant efficacy in treating central retinal artery occlusion, helping preserve vision for patients with eye diseases.

1. Tanshinone IIA – "The Dual Protector of Heart and Brain"

          As the "star player" among lipid-soluble components, Tanshinone IIA performs multiple roles:

Heart Protection: Improves coronary circulation, inhibits thrombosis, and regulates heart rhythm, acting like a "cardiac rhythm calibrator."

• Brain & Heart Repair: Promotes myocardial regeneration and suppresses inflammation after myocardial infarction, resembling a "myocardial repair artisan."

• Anticancer Potential: In vitro studies show it can inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells, offering new avenues for adjuvant cancer therapy.

2. Cryptotanshinone – "The Dual Power of Antibacterial & Antioxidant"

          Functioning as both a "natural antibiotic" that inhibits various pathogens (such as Cutibacterium acnes) and a "pioneer in anti-aging" that scavenges free radicals to delay cellular aging, Cryptotanshinone also provides auxiliary benefits for angina pectoris and myocardial injury. It exemplifies "specialized versatility."

3. Tanshinone I & IIB – "Specialized Functional Agents"

• Tanshinone I: Gently modulates estrogen levels while treating both cystic acne and angina pectoris, acting like a "fine-tuner of female endocrine balance."

• Tanshinone IIB: Reduces cerebral infarct size and promotes the recovery of neurological functions, offering hope for stroke patients—akin to a "reconstruction engineer for nerve cells."

          As the concept of "preventive health" gains global popularity, Danshen extract has rapidly captured the international wellness market with its natural, safe, and multi-functional advantages:

Application Scenarios: 

From dietary supplements (heart-support capsules, antioxidant beverages) to cosmetics (anti-aging serums, acne creams), and even pharmaceutical intermediates, it covers a full spectrum of internal and external applications.

Market Potential:

Global sales are projected to exceed $1 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of over 8%. As the primary production region, China is now capturing the high-end market with standardized extracts.

Scientific Validation:

          The PubMed database includes over 5,000 research articles on Danshen. The U.S. FDA has approved Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate Injection for cardiovascular diseases, while the EU has listed Danshen in its "Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products" catalog, reflecting its steadily rising international recognition.

          From its classification as a "superior-grade herb" in the Shennong Bencao Jing to its status as a "star molecule" in modern laboratories, Danshen has proven over two millennia that nature’s gifts, when refined through science, can become a shared treasure for human health. We look forward to collaborating with global partners, using standardized extracts as our medium, to extend the benefits of this "treasure in the blood" to more families worldwide. After all, "when the heart and vessels flow freely, ailments find no foothold"—a wisdom rooted not only in ancient Chinese wellness philosophy, but also in humanity’s universal pursuit of vitality.

          Building on Danshen’s core function of "activating blood and unblocking vessels," and guided by the ancient principle of "sovereign, minister, assistant, and envoy" formulation, we have created CardioVital Capsules. This premium blend harmonizes five time-honored Chinese herbs with newly extracted American ginseng, resulting in a "one-core, six-tones" wellness masterpiece. Like a symphony orchestra, the six ingredients work in synergy: Danshen acts as the "conductor" guiding qi and blood, while the other herbs perform as "musicians" each playing their distinct part—together composing a health movement focused on promoting blood circulation and assisting in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure and lipid levels. For more detailed product information, please feel free to contact www.jollywe.com