Red Sage (Dan Shen) Root Profile

Also known as

Salvia miltiorrhiza, red-rooted sage, salvia root, dan shen.

Introduction

Red Sage is an herbaceous perennial native to China. The "red" part of its name comes from the red color of the roots; the flowers themselves are large, fragrant clusters of purple or violet.

Constituents

Tanshinones I, IIA, IIB, V and VI, isotanshinones I and II, cryptotanshinone, isocryptotanshinone, dihydrotanshinone, hydroxytanshinone IIA and methyltanshinonate, tanshinol I and tanshinol II, tanshindiols A, B and C, nortanshinone and 3-?-hydroxytanshinone IIA, miltirone, Ro-090680, salvinone, salvianolic acids A and B, rosmarinic acid, danshensu, protocatechuic aldehyde, protocatechuic acid, oleanolic acid, feruginol, dehydromiltirone, ?-sitosterol, and vitamin E.

Parts Used

Dried root

Typical Preparations

Typically used as either a tea or a liquid extract.

Summary

Red Sage has been employed in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Precautions

Use of tincture made from Red Sage may cause severe itching, stomachache, or reduced appetite. Consult your physician before using Red Sage if you are taking warfarin, as red sage may enhance the effects.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.