Side effects of Chinese medicine Danshen

For Chinese people, they are very familiar with various traditional Chinese medicines, because Chinese people still trust Chinese medicine more. Among them, the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza is very common to many people. As a commonly used Chinese patent medicine, although its efficacy is very good and very stable, it is three-point poison, and its side effects cannot be ignored. So what are the side effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza? Let us learn about it below.

I believe everyone is very familiar with the Chinese medicine Danshen. This is a common medicine we have. Everyone recognizes its efficacy and functions, so many people take it, but everyone does not understand its side effects. Let us learn about it together below.

Compound Danshen Tablets are a Chinese patent medicine made from Danshen, Panax notoginseng and borneol in a certain proportion. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, regulating qi and relieving pain, and calming the nerves and tranquilizing the mind. Modern pharmacological research shows that compound danshen tablets can dilate coronary arteries, increase blood perfusion of the heart, slow down the heart rate, improve myocardial hypoxia, inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce blood viscosity, and regulate blood lipids. Clinically, Compound Danshen Tablets are mainly used to treat chest tightness, palpitations, pale complexion, cold limbs, etc. caused by coronary heart disease. Because Compound Danshen Tablets have the effects of promoting blood circulation and unblocking meridians, removing blood stasis and relieving pain, clearing the heart and relieving restlessness, cooling blood and eliminating carbuncles, they are also suitable for various diseases and symptoms caused by blood stasis, blood heat, etc.

Due to the one-sided perception that "traditional Chinese medicine is non-toxic", the adverse reactions of Compound Danshen Tablets, a commonly used Chinese patent medicine, are often overlooked. Many patients with coronary heart disease take it as a regular medicine for a long time. In fact, "all medicines are poisonous", and Compound Danshen Tablets are no exception. The following three points are worth noting:

(1) Compound Danshen Tablets are a commonly used Chinese medicine for the treatment of coronary heart disease, but they are only a symptomatic treatment and should not be taken for a long time. Because the borneol in compound danshen tablets has the characteristics of aromatic and penetrating, it consumes qi and damages yang, and long-term use can easily lead to decreased heart function.

(2) The borneol content in compound danshen tablets is relatively high, which can cause significant irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. It is not suitable for patients with coronary heart disease and concurrent gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, esophagitis, or patients with a weak and cold constitution.

(3) Long-term use of Compound Danshen Tablets may cause hypokalemia. Studies have found that some patients with coronary heart disease who took compound danshen tablets in regular doses for one month had lower blood potassium levels than before treatment, and patients may experience symptoms of potassium deficiency such as abdominal distension and fatigue. This may be related to the effect of salvia miltiorrhiza on renal function. Salvia miltiorrhiza can significantly increase glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, causing increased urinary potassium excretion and reduced blood potassium. Therefore, the elderly should pay attention to proper potassium supplementation while taking this medicine. They can frequently eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, orange juice, soybeans, peanuts, mushrooms, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. When symptoms of potassium deficiency such as abdominal distension and fatigue appear, potassium salts (such as potassium magnesium aspartate tablets or oral solution) can be taken.

In short, although compound danshen tablets are widely used, it is best to choose them under the guidance of a doctor and not to take them for a long time without authorization.

Through the introduction in the above article, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of the side effects of the Chinese medicine Danshen. This is a Chinese medicinal material that many people are very familiar with. It is also of great help to people's health. However, everyone also needs to pay attention to the side effects of this medicine and must not take it for a long time.