The biological activity and Mechanisms of Danshensu

Description

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge), coming from the root and rhizome of Danshen, is widely used to protect against heart diseases such as myocardial ischemia and atherosclerosis. Danshensu [DSS, C9H10O5, 3-(3, 4-dihydroxy-phenyl) lactic acid], also called Salvianic aid A, is extracted from Danshen. It is a water-soluble constituent from Salvia miltiorrhiza whose structure is composed of catechol and lactic acid. Danshensu is a purified compound with a clearly defined structure, thus allowing it to be manufactured for extensive research [1–2].

Biological activity

Catechol is the leading active group of Danshensu that plays an antioxidant role in protecting the heart from cardiac ischemia and reperfusion injury. DSS has many pharmacological effects, including antioxidation, anti-apoptosis, myocardial ischemia treatment, and myocardial hypertrophy relief. In addition, the protective effect of DSS on the heart may be due to the decrease of intracellular calcium concentration by inhibiting L-type calcium current and contraction of cardiomyocytes; it has a similar effect to calcium antagonists.

However, Danshensu, like other polyphenols, is a substrate for endogenous methylating enzyme systems and thus consumes methionine and generates Hcy. Treatment with danshensu could, therefore, elevate plasma tHcy levels, which might cause cardiovascular toxicology.

Mechanisms

Research has shown that Danshensu can prevent atherosclerosis. Danshensu prevents atherosclerosis mainly through three major mechanisms: endothelial protection, macrophage regulation, and lipidemia control. In addition, Danshensu might also be therapeutically helpful in dealing with pancreatitis and preeclampsia through anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-apoptosis, and other mechanisms. In rats with diabetes introduced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (a  chemical agent that kills the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas), Danshensu treatment rescued these rats from the cognitive decline resulting from diabetes[3]. Further analysis revealed that Danshensu suppressed the increase in the expression of RAGE, p-p38, and COX-2, the activation of the NF-κB pathway, and the increase of TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE2 levels in the hippocampus.  

References

[1] Jianfeng Qi. “Exploring the Mechanism of Danshensu in the Treatment of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evaluation.” Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine (2022).

[2] YG Cao. “Beneficial effects of danshensu, an active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, on homocysteine metabolism via the trans-sulphuration pathway in rats.” British Journal of Pharmacology 157 3 (2009): 482–490.

[3] Jinli Zhang . “Therapeutic potentials and mechanisms of the Chinese traditional medicine Danshensu.” European journal of pharmacology 864 (2019): Article 172710.

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