I love to read. I am a quick reader. I read a variety of books ranging from biographies to plants to history. I even completed the entire Harry Potter collection. Nowadays when I see an article on a herb that I do not recall I start to research the herb. I am also a member of the American Botanical Council (ABC) Join this organization
I came across a vita-nutrient for the heart with Salvia miltiorrhiza. The common name is Dashen which is used in Chinese medicine. Although this herb is known to promote blood flow I have not seen it used extensively in cardiac ( heart ) disease. I do not practice Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I have finally come to the realization that one person cannot know everything. I refer to those professionals who know more about TCM herbs. I found many articles where Dashen exerted its pharmacological effects on cerebral ( brain) infarction. I did find a few studies on Dashen reducing the inflammatory risk factor, CRP. I have seen vitamin supplement formulas using both the American herb, Hawthorn ( Cratageus) and Dashen ( Salvia) however I do not feel comfortable using both without discussing its effects with a practitioner knowledgeable in TCM. I am versed in American Herbs . I do not know of a book to discuss the interactions between TCM and conventional medicines, unlike articles and a PDR for American Herbal Medicine.
I have read another article using another Chinese herb, Sophora flavescens in combination with berberine as well as magnesium. The compound berberine is found in many plant series. Berberine does have some cardiac activity There are well-researched studies on the cardiac effects of berberine. I have only found two studies where Sophora also known as Ku Shen was used for a serious arrhythmia as ventricular tachycardia. I could not find any human studies. I found many studies utilizing magnesium, an amino acid, taurine and Coenzyme Q 10 in a variety of cardiac diseases. What I did find was an interesting 2002 article on this herb in relation to one of my favorite topic--Hair growth. This herb extract has outstanding hair growth promoting effects. It induces growth factors such as IGF-1 in dermal papilla cells. How extraordinary !
Again, what am I trying to say.? Always consult a health care practitioner in that particular field of medicine before using a new herb. Herbs are drugs. TCM should be discussed with a practitioner comfortable in Chinese Medicine.
Until tomorrow…