Liang Qingzhi, Liu Xiaoqin, Xu Xin, Chen Zhengtao, Luo Ting, Su Yi, Xie Hongyan, Gao Hong, Xie Chunguang
Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Department of Emergency, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Front Pharmacol. 2025 May 21;16:1574086. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1574086. eCollection 2025.
Bunge [Lamiaceae; Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizoma] is a traditional Chinese medication used extensively as a therapeutic agent against atherosclerosis (AS) because of its substantial cardiovascular protective properties as well as ability to regulate the signaling cascades and molecular targets involved in AS. Preclinical research has shown that the hydrophilic metabolites of Bunge represented by danshensu (DSS), salvianolic acid A (SAA), and salvianolic acid B (SAB) can reduce endothelial dysfunction, inhibit smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, block platelet aggregation, have antithrombotic properties, and modulate vascular tone. Furthermore, studies have shown that salvianolic acid is clinically beneficial, while some evidence also supports its safety and effectiveness in diseases linked to AS. The present study is a review of the anti-atherosclerotic pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, drug interactions, and safety evaluations of salvianolic acid over the last 20 years. Herein, we focus on the cellular targets linked to AS; clarify the molecular mechanisms of the anti-atherosclerotic activities of DSS, SAA, and SAB; and discuss the future needs and priorities in light of the limitations of the existing studies. This review is intended to establish the groundwork and offer a thorough perspective for deeper investigations of the studies, clinical uses, and product development efforts of salvianolic acid as a natural modulator of AS.
丹参[唇形科；丹参根及根茎]是一种传统中药，因其具有显著的心血管保护特性以及调节动脉粥样硬化（AS）相关信号通路和分子靶点的能力，而被广泛用作抗动脉粥样硬化的治疗药物。临床前研究表明，以丹参素（DSS）、丹酚酸A（SAA）和丹酚酸B（SAB）为代表的丹参亲水性代谢产物可减轻内皮功能障碍，抑制平滑肌细胞迁移和增殖，阻止血小板聚集，具有抗血栓形成特性，并调节血管张力。此外，研究表明丹酚酸在临床上有益，同时一些证据也支持其在与AS相关疾病中的安全性和有效性。本研究是对过去20年中丹酚酸的抗动脉粥样硬化药理活性、药代动力学特征、药物相互作用及安全性评价的综述。在此，我们聚焦于与AS相关的细胞靶点；阐明DSS、SAA和SAB抗动脉粥样硬化活性的分子机制；并根据现有研究的局限性讨论未来的需求和重点。本综述旨在为深入研究丹酚酸作为AS天然调节剂的研究、临床应用和产品开发奠定基础并提供全面的视角。
