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| Progress in research into the mechanism of Radix salviae miltiorrhizae in treatment of acute pancreatitis |
| Xi-Ping Zhang, Zhi-Jun Li and Da-Ren Liu |
Hangzhou, China
Author Affiliations: Department of General Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China (Zhang XP), Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medine, Hangzhou 310053, China (Li ZJ), and Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China (Liu DR)
Corresponding Author: Xi-Ping Zhang, MD, Department of General Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China (Tel: 86-571-87065701; Fax: 86-571-87914773; Email: zxp99688@vip.163.com) |
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Abstract BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdomen with high mortality, multiple complications and complicated causes. There is no effective therapy for AP. Radix salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen), a traditional herbal medicine, has a low price and a wide range of clinical applications. It is effective to promote blood flow, eliminate stagnancy, and relieve pain. It is also found to be effective in treating AP. We reviewed the progress in research into the mechanism of Radix salviae miltiorrhizae in treatment of AP.
DATA SOURCES: An english-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1988-2005) on Radix salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen) and acute pancreatitis.
RESULTS: The mechanisms of Danshen in the treatment of AP include improvement of microcirculatory disturbances; elimination of oxygen free radicals; modulation of the metabolism of lipid inflammatory mediator; and blocking of calcium inflow and prevention of calcium overload.
CONCLUSION: Danshen can effectively reduce the mortality and complications of AP.
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2006, Vol. 5 
