Traditional Chinese medicine of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge: a review of phytochemistry, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, known as red sage or Danshen, is commonly applied in Chinese herbal therapeutics for various biological effects. In 25–220 C.E., the earliest Chinese Materia Medica referred to as Shengong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Eastern Han Dynasty of China, 200 C.E.) initially documented Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Currently, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is one of the most frequently prescribed traditional Chinese medicines in clinics for antidiabetic, antianxiety, antihypertensive, antidepressant, antilipidemic, antiarrhythmic, and anticancer effects. Undoubtedly, it is best known for improving and promoting blood circulation; thus, its recommendation for use in cardiovascular disorders. Regarding this article, important information was sourced both manually and electronically using patent compendium and databases, including Google Scholar, herbal plant monographs, Hindawi, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, pharmacopoeias, Springer, etc. Well-concise details and discussions on the botany, traditional medicinal uses, chemical constituents-phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and toxicology information are presented. In perspective, understanding the comprehensive information of the above-stated fields with regards to Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge would yield an additional positive knowledge on areas that need urgent attention and identify gaps in research and safety for future consideration