Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical Evidence and Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Developing Supplementary Medical Application

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-specific colorectal disease caused by multifaceted triggers. Although conventional treatments are effective in the management of IBD, high cost and frequent side effects limit their applications and have turned sufferers toward alternative and complementary approaches. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (Danshen) is an herbal medicine that reportedly alleviates the symptoms of IBD. A large body of research, including clinical trials in which Danshen-based products or botanical compounds were used, has unmasked its multiple mechanisms of action, but no review has focused on its efficacy as a treatment for IBD. Here, we discussed triggers of IBD, collected relevant clinical trials and analyzed experimental reports, in which bioactive compounds of Danshen attenuated rodent colitis in the management of intestinal integrity, gut microflora, cell death, immune conditions, cytokines, and free radicals. A network pharmacology approach was applied to describe sophisticated mechanisms in a holistic view. The safety of Danshen was also discussed. This review of evidence will help to better understand the potential benefits of Danshen for IBD treatment and provide insights for the development of innovative applications of Danshen.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sepsis: Identifying key aging‐related biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of sepsis

“…27 One such recognized medicinal herb is Danshen, also known as Salvia miltiorrhiza, which has antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. 28 In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Danshen for the treatment of sepsis. Using the TCMSP database, we analyzed the primary constituents of Danshen and identified 65 compounds with favorable oral bioavailability and drug-likeness parameters.…”

“…Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has a rich history and unique theories, has long been used to treat various diseases in China and other Asian countries 27 . One such recognized medicinal herb is Danshen, also known as Salvia miltiorrhiza , which has anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties 28 . In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Danshen for the treatment of sepsis.…”

Exploring the chemical components of Kuanchang-Shu granule and its protective effects of postoperative ileus in rats by regulating AKT/HSP90AA1/eNOS pathway

“…As a consequence, gastrointestinal dysmotility and intestinal inflammation were significantly recovered and inhibited in postoperative ileus, respectively [ 49 ]. Moreover, the colitis of rodent was attenuated by Salviae Miltiorrhizae with regulating gut microflora, intestinal integrity, immune conditions, cell death, free radicals, and cytokines [ 50 ]. The intestinal barrier of diabetic mice was strengthened by bioactive compounds of Salviae Miltiorrhizae such as salvianolic acid (Salvianolic acid C, 111 ; Salvianolic acid F, 129 ; Salvianolic acid B, 151 ; Salvianolic acid A, 153 ; Salvianolic acid D, 174 ) through up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin-5, ZO-1 and Occludin) in ileum and colon [ 51 , 52 ].…”

Gut microbiota, a hidden protagonist of traditional Chinese medicine for acute ischemic stroke

“…It has been found that the gut microbiota interacts with Chinese herbs and that many herbal compounds need to be transformed into more active and bioavailable molecular structures with the cooperation of gut microbiota ( Gong et al, 2020 ; Qu et al, 2021 ; Zhang et al, 2022 ). The rich and numerous microbiota secrete a wide range of enzymes, which may have a significant impact on the stability of the molecular structure of herbal compounds ( Wang et al, 2011 ).…”