Red sage root and its benefits have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. But will today’s research confirm the centuries old traditional health benefits of red sage root? Let’s find out!
What Is Red Sage Root
Salvia miltiorrhiza, commonly known as red sage, is a perennial plant from the Salvia genus, native to China and Japan. The word ‘miltiorrhiza’ means ‘red ochre root.’
The plant grows up to 1,2 meters in height and is typically found in forests, hillsides, and along stream banks. The root of the plant is highly valued in traditional medicine.
First records of its use were found in Chinese classical medicine works that date all the way back to the reign of the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC to 220 AD). Red sage root has therefore been used for more than 2000 years.
Red Sage Root Benefits
Heart Disease
Problems related to heart health have become a global issue and are among the leading causes of death worldwide. However, we can do many things to prevent it, including taking natural supplements such as red sage root.
Extracts of red sage root were found to possess valuable pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Research shows that it promotes blood circulation, relieves pain related to heart conditions, and may help treat hypertension and high blood pressure.
It does so by increasing the nitric oxide content, synthase activity, and regulating antioxidant enzymes. As a result, the blood vessels widen, and the synthesis of new compounds in the body is improved.
In other words, red sage root may help prevent and treat coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and other heart diseases.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition where fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up in and on your artery walls. This can restrict blood flow and cause blood clots in the arteries throughout your body.
Not to worry though, because we come bearing good news!
According to research, red sage root exhibits properties that are effective for treating atherosclerosis through reduction of oxidative stress, prevention of oxidation, and deposition of the ‘bad’ cholesterol LDL.
It can also provide relief by reducing inflammation and relaxing the coronary artery.
Neuroprotective Effects
Weakened oxygen flow to the brain and poor blood circulation can cause serious changes in the neuronal and non-neuronal cells and often lead to cognitive impairment, seizures, and various neurodegenerative disorders.
Studies confirm that red sage root may reduce brain damage induced by the activity of free radicals. It can also reduce blockages in the artery that restrict the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
Additionally, the root’s primary active phenolic acids can help prevent cell death, which is essential because cell death can often lead to neuronal death.
As we can see, these neuroprotective effects are directly linked to the antioxidant content in the red sage root.
Red Sage Root Side Effects
There have been some safety concerns when it comes to red sage root supplements. According to research, possible reported side effects can include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Decreased appetite
- Allergic reactions
- Convulsions
- Dystonia syndromes
Note: Although the side effects stopped when the supplementation was discontinued, we recommend speaking to a health care professional before taking red sage root supplements, or any supplements for that matter.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, red sage root demonstrated pretty impressive health benefits. It is a great candidate for further research to uncover even more of its true potential.
But with the research that currently exists, are you going to try it? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for another exciting root, check out our article about poke root.