Danshen - Aleve (Naproxen) Interaction
Herbal: Danshen
Also Known As: Salvia bowleyana, Ch'ih Shen, Chinese Red Sage, Chinese Sage, Chinese Salvia, Dan Shen, Dan-Shen, Huang Ken, Racine de Salvia, Red Root Sage, Red Rooted Sage, Red Sage, Salvia Przewalskii Mandarinorum, Salvia Root, Shu-Wei Ts'ao, Tan Seng, Tan-Shen, Tzu Tan-Ken
Drug: Naproxen
Brand names:
Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Naproxyn, Navalbine, Naproxen, Naprosyn EC, Napro-Na, Aleve, Arthroxen, Synflex, EC-Naprosyn
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Naproxen is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that danshen tincture and various constituents of danshen inhibit the activity of CYP1A2. However, this activity has not been shown in humans when theophylline, a CYP1A2 substrate, was used as a target drug.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Wang X, Cheung CM, Lee WY, Or PM, Yeung JH. Major tanshinones of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) exhibit different modes of inhibition on human CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 activities in vitro. Phytomedicine. 2010 Sep;17(11):868-75.
- Wang X, Yeung JH. Investigation of cytochrome P450 1A2 and 3A inhibitory properties of Danshen tincture. Phytomedicine. 2012 Feb 15;19(3-4):348-54.
- Zhou X, Chan K, Yeung JH. Herb-drug interactions with Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza): a review on the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Drug Metabol Drug Interact. 2012 Mar 2;27(1):9-18.
Interaction Details
Naproxen is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that various constituents of danshen inhibit the activity of CYP2C9. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Wang X, Cheung CM, Lee WY, Or PM, Yeung JH. Major tanshinones of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) exhibit different modes of inhibition on human CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 activities in vitro. Phytomedicine. 2010 Sep;17(11):868-75.
Interaction Details
Naproxen is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Danshen has been reported to have antithrombotic effects. Animal research also suggests that taking a danshen combination formula with clopidogrel exhibits a synergistic increase in antiplatelet aggregation and prolongation of coagulation time when compared with either taken alone.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:1221-7.
- Yin QS, Chen L, Mi RH, Ai H, Yin JJ, Liu XJ, Wei XD. Efficacy and safety of danshen compound tablets in preventing thalidomide-associated thromboembolism in patients with multiple myeloma: a multicenter retrospective study. Med Sci Monit. 2016 Oct 20;22:3
- Zheng D, Zhang W, Hou M, et al. Evaluation of herb-drug interactions between compound Danshen dripping pills and clopidogrel based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in rats. Biomed Chromatogr. 2023;37(9):e5684.
Danshen Overview
Danshen, also known as Salvia miltiorrhiza, is a herb native to China and other parts of Asia. It is a member of the mint family and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine based on its purported anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. It has historically been used to treat cardiovascular diseases, such as angina, and improve circulation. It has also been used to treat anxiety and stress, as it is thought to have calming and relaxing effects. The root of Danshen is what is utilized in dietary supplements.
Naproxen Overview
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Prescription naproxen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by a breakdown of the lining of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), juvenile arthritis (a form of joint disease in children), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine). Prescription naproxen tablets, extended-release tablets, and suspension are also used to relieve shoulder pain caused by bursitis (inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint), tendinitis (inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone), gouty arthritis (attacks of joint pain caused by a build-up of certain substances in the joints), and pain from other causes, including menstrual pain (pain that happens before or during a menstrual period). Nonprescription naproxen is used to reduce fever and to relieve mild pain from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches, and backaches. Naproxen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Danshen - More Interactions
Danshen interacts with 1031 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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