Dan Shen compound (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Cardiovascular · TCM · Circulation

Known as Red Sage or Danshen, this TCM herb is widely used in China for cardiovascular conditions. Contains tanshinones and salvianolic acids with proven anti-platelet and vasodilatory effects. Most Dan Shen cardiovascular evidence is from Chinese-language trials (several meta-analyses summarising them), which report improved angina symptoms but with limited independent replication outside China. Caution: strong anticoagulant effects — do not combine with warfarin or antiplatelet drugs.

Dose: 1,500–3,000 mg/day standardised extract; traditionally combined with Sanqi (Panax notoginseng)