Actions of Danshen and its bioactive compounds on ROS productions in vitro

This thesis documents a research program in which Australian grown Danshen extracts and related bioactive compounds have been demonstrated to be effective in scavenging free radicals, namely ROS generation, in a cell free system and NADPH oxidase derived superoxide (O2-) generation in vascular tissue (rat aorta). Danshen extracts, both aqueous and ethanol, and their active compounds (Tanshinone IIA, Salvianolic Acid B and Danshensu) demonstrated anti-oxidant activity however findings exhibited stronger activity in a cell free system than in the aortic vascular tissue. Despite the difference observed in the potency and actions of different Danshen extracts and active compounds, the findings of this study provided the first in vitro evidence on the effects of Australian grown Danshen on ROS scavenging activity and NADPH oxidase derived O2-, indicating the potential of using Australian grown Danshen for anti-oxidant applications, indicating treatment of NADPH oxidase related vascular disease. The literature review demonstrated Danshen to be generally well tolerated and safe in clinical use with few adverse reactions. However, the research suggested that caution be taken with Danshen, including potential herb-drug interactions