Salvia miltiorrhiza and ischemic diseases

The demonstration of beneficial effects of salvia miltiorrhiza (DanShen) on ischemic diseases has revolutionized the management of angina pectoris, my ocardial infarction (MI) or stroke in Chinese society. Experimental studies have shown that DanShen dilated coronary arteries, increased coronary bloo d flow, and scavenged free radicals in ischemic diseases, so that it reduce d the cellular damage from ischemia and improved heart functions. Clinical trials also indicated that DanShen was an effective medicine for angina pec toris, MI, and stroke. This review will focus on DanShen's effects in angin a pectoris, MI and stroke.