SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article
Front. Pharmacol.
Sec. Ethnopharmacology
Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) extract in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Provisionally accepted
- Xi'an Honghui Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Purpose: This study aims to systematically assess the effectiveness of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) extract in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and provide high-quality evidence to support the translation from preclinical research to clinical practice. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials involving animal models of SCI were conducted. Data were extracted regarding the effects of Danshen extract on motor function (measured by the BBB score), inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and edema. Subgroup analyses based on model type, drug dosage, and compound type were also performed. Results: Danshen extract significantly improved motor function at multiple time points (3, 7, 14, and 21 days post-injury). The BBB scores were higher in the treatment group across all time points (SMD = 4.53 at 3 days, p < 0.001). Additionally, Danshen reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β), oxidative stress (MDA), and apoptotic markers (Caspase-3), while increasing antioxidant activity (SOD). It also significantly reduced spinal cord edema, as indicated by decreased water content in the injury areas (SMD = –3.88, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed the most significant improvements in contusion and ischemic models, with higher doses (>20 mg/kg) and water-soluble phenolic acids providing the best outcomes. Conclusion: Danshen extract exhibits significant potential in treating SCI through its diverse mechanisms, such as reducing inflammation, combating oxidative stress, preventing cell death, and alleviating edema. However, further research is needed to refine treatment protocols and establish its clinical relevance.
Keywords: Dan Shen, Danshen extract, Meta-analysis, Salvia miltiorrhiza, spinal cord injury
Received: 02 Dec 2025; Accepted: 28 Jan 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Wan, Tang, Wang, Wu, Li, Ji, Gao and Cao. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: ShiHang Cao
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