Red Sage Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Red Sage against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Red Sage is a dietary supplement by Wise Woman Herbals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and circulation support, angina (chest pain), high blood pressure.Based on those ingredients, 1,059 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chinese Salvia. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Red Sage is a liquid herbal supplement containing one active ingredient: Chinese Salvia, traditionally used in herbal medicine. The product also contains water and alcohol as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that Chinese Salvia is effective for any of the conditions it's used for—acne, unstable angina, cancer, coronary heart disease, cirrhosis, and heart failure all rate insufficient reliable evidence. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the data to prove benefit isn't yet in our system.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
When taken by mouth, danshen is generally well tolerated. Some people in trials reported upset stomach, itching, reduced appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, or headache, though it's unclear whether danshen alone caused these or other drugs played a role.
The supplement can also affect blood clotting, and product quality varies. There isn't enough safety information to recommend it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding—talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized guidance if you're in either situation.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, check your exact medications against our interaction tool if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Major risk), digoxin (Major risk), blood pressure medications (Moderate risk), or any drugs metabolized by your liver's CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4 enzymes, or cleared by p-glycoprotein (all Moderate risk). The 1,045 affected medications make a one-on-one check essential.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
This is a single-ingredient herb with Major interaction risks involving blood thinners and heart medications, plus Moderate concerns with blood pressure drugs and common medications your liver metabolizes. If you take any prescription drugs, especially for your heart, blood pressure, or clotting, check your specific medications with our tool before starting.
A pharmacist can help you weigh the risks against any benefits you're hoping for.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 24, 2025.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Red Sage, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Wise Woman Herbals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 348840014522 |
| Net contents | 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jul 24, 2025 |
| DSLD ID | 335599 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: Shake well. Add 10-60 drops to water, 1-4 times daily.
Formulation
The presence of particulate matter in this product is normal.
Made in the USA from globally sourced components
Traditional herb Supports healthy vascular function
No: gluten - wheat - yeast - milk - lactose - soy - artificial colors - artificial flavors - artificial sweeteners - sugar
Storage
Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight with the lid tightly sealed.
Precautions
Keep out of the reach of children.
Warning: Cancer and Reproductive harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
General Statements
Botanical formula
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size0.5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container20 Amounts shown are per serving.
Chinese Salvia
Interacts with1,059 drugs
Danshen is a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly for heart and circulation problems. Some early research is promising, but the evidence...
Chinese Salvia monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Water, Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals contains Chinese Salvia (danshen), an herb with documented interactions across a substantial range of medications.
The most serious concern is with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (anticoagulants and antiplatelets)—danshen may increase bleeding risk, and animal studies show it can enhance the antiplatelet effect when combined with clopidogrel.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Danshen also carries Major severity concerns with digoxin (Lanoxin), a heart medication; the herb's chemical structure resembles cardiac glycosides, raising the theoretical risk of adverse effects. Beyond these, Moderate interactions are documented with blood pressure medications (antihypertensives)—danshen itself can lower blood pressure and may add to the effect of drugs like captopril—and with several groups of drugs your liver metabolizes: CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 substrates.
Danshen may also interfere with p-glycoprotein, a transport protein that clears certain medications.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,045 individual medications. Because danshen affects how your body processes and clears drugs, the actual medications of concern depend entirely on what you're taking.
Use the medication checker on this page to look up your specific drugs before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Red Sage?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Red Sage interact with 1,059 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Red Sage interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Chinese Salvia
AbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Abciximab interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Abrocitinib interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaCytochrome P450 2e1 (cyp2e1) Substrates, Aspirin +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +4 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaCytochrome P450 2c9 (cyp2c9) Substrates, Glucuronidated Drugs +3 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Alteplase, Tpa interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAnacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
How Anacaulase-bcdb interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Anacaulase-bcdb interactionAnagrelideAgrylin
How Anagrelide interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Anagrelide interactionAnisindioneMiradon
How Anisindione interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Anisindione interactionAntithrombin IiiThrombate III
How Antithrombin Iii interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Antithrombin Iii interactionApixabanEliquis
How Apixaban interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaP-glycoprotein Substrates, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs +1 Major
Interaction Summary
Danshen might alter the levels of drugs cleared by p-glycoprotein.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Apixaban interactionArgatrobanArgatroban
How Argatroban interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Argatroban interactionAspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
How Aspirin interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Aspirin Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
How Aspirin, Butalbital interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Butalbital interactionAspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
How Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Danshen might alter the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, CaffeineAnacin
How Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Danshen might alter the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interactionAspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Danshen might alter the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interacts with Red Sage — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chinese SalviaAspirin, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +2 Major
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Chinese Salvia + Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Red Sage with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Chinese Salvia
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.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Theoretically, using danshen with digoxin might increase the risk of adverse effects.
Danshen has structural and pharmacological similarities to cardiac glycosides.
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Theoretically, taking danshen in combination with amlodipine may decrease the clinical effects of amlodipine.
In animal research, taking danshen orally in combination with amlodipine reduced blood levels of amlodipine by about 52%. This may have been due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by danshen, which has been demonstrated in vitro. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking danshen with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that danshen can produce dose-dependent hypotensive effects. Furthermore, concomitant use with captopril appears to potentiate this effect.
Aspirin
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels of aspirin and the risk of bleeding.
Research in healthy adult males shows that taking a combination of danshen and kudzu with aspirin increases plasma aspirin area under the curve by approximately 3.4-fold. Animal research also shows that taking a combination of danshen and kudzu (danshen-gegen formula) with aspirin increases maximal blood levels of aspirin and salicylic acid by approximately 4-fold and 3.7-fold, respectively, without impacting blood loss. Taking danshen increases the antiplatelet activity of aspirin and might increase the side effects of aspirin.
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with clopidogrel.
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet prodrug that is metabolized by carboxyl esterase 1 (CES1) to an inactive metabolite. Animal research shows that a danshen combination formula decreases the activity of CES1, decreasing levels of the inactive metabolite in the blood and possibly increasing levels of the active metabolite. 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.
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.
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.
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates
Theoretically, danshen may increase the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
In vitro research shows that various constituents of danshen inhibit the activity of CYP2E1. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Danshen might alter the levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Preliminary clinical research in healthy males shows that the administration of danshen for 10-14 days induces intestinal CYP3A4 and increases the clearance of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate. The maximum concentration of midazolam was decreased by 31% to 67%, and drug levels were decreased by 27% to 80%. However, a single dose of danshen has the opposite effect, increasing maximum concentrations of midazolam by 87%.
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Danshen might increase the levels and clinical effects of fexofenadine.
Pharmacokinetic research in healthy volunteers shows that taking danshen extract 1 gram three times daily for 10 days prior to receiving fexofenadine 60 mg increases peak levels of fexofenadine, a p-glycoprotein substrate, by 27.4% and area under the curve (AUC) by 37.2%.
Glucuronidated Drugs
Theoretically, danshen might affect the levels and clinical effects of drugs requiring glucuronidation.
In vitro research shows that danshen induces the expression of glucuronosyltransferases. However, it also inhibits the activity of glucuronosyltransferases, including various members of the 1A and 2B families. The extent of inhibition of a specific glucuronosyltransferase seems to be dependent on whether or not the danshen is processed via 'sweating'. This type of processing may affect the levels of constituents in danshen that alter glucuronosyltransferase activity. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Midazolam (Versed)
Danshen might alter the levels and clinical effects of midazolam.
Preliminary clinical research in healthy males shows that the administration of danshen for 10-14 days induces intestinal CYP3A4 and increases midazolam clearance. The maximum concentration was decreased by 31% to 67%, and drug levels were decreased by 27% to 80%. However, a single dose of danshen has the opposite effect, increasing maximum concentrations of midazolam by 87%.
P-Glycoprotein Substrates
Danshen might alter the levels of drugs cleared by p-glycoprotein.
Pharmacokinetic research in healthy volunteers suggests that danshen might affect p-glycoprotein activity. Taking danshen extract 1 gram three times daily for 10 days prior to receiving fexofenadine 60 mg increases peak levels of fexofenadine, a p-glycoprotein substrate, by 27.4% and area under the curve (AUC) by 37.2%.
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Theoretically, danshen might increase the levels and clinical effects of rosuvastatin.
Animal research shows that a single dose of danshen increases levels of rosuvastatin at least 2-fold, possibly by increasing absorption and/or decreasing elimination. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, danshen may increase the risk of bleeding if used with warfarin.
There have been several case reports of increased international normalized ratio (INR) after concomitant use of danshen and warfarin. Elevations in INR have occurred as early as 3-5 days after start of danshen. However, a clinical trial in adults taking warfarin with stable INR found that the addition of compound danshen dripping pills, containing danshen extract, Panax notoginseng, and borneol, 270 mg three times daily for 4 weeks did not alter INR levels or the average required warfarin dose when compared to baseline. These findings are consistent with animal research, which found no change in warfarin pharmacokinetics with the use of danshen. Other research in healthy adult males also shows that taking a combination of danshen and kudzu with warfarin does not increases plasma warfarin area under the curve, but may reduce plasma soluble thrombomodulin levels. However, other research shows that danshen might increase the rate of absorption and decrease the elimination rate of warfarin. Also, research in healthy adult males shows that taking a combination of danshen and kudzu with warfarin increases plasma area under the curve of danshensu, a constituent of danshen, by approximately 29.5-fold. Danshen should be used cautiously in patients taking warfarin.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Red Sage, from the product label.
Wise Woman Herbals
See all Wise Woman Herbals products- Name
- Wise Woman Herbals
- City
- Creswell
- State
- OR
- ZipCode
- 97426
- Phone Number
- 800.532.5219
Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals: Common Questions
Does Red Sage by Wise Woman Herbals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What is Chinese Salvia, and what is it used for?
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
What are the most common side effects?
Is this safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Does this product contain fillers or other inactive ingredients?
What is digoxin, and why is it a concern with this product?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Red Sage is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Red Sage’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Red Sage's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 28 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Danshen 28 references
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Yu CM, Chan JC, Sanderson JE. Chinese herbs and warfarin potentiation by danshen. J Intern Med 1997;241:337-9. PubMed
- Tam LS, et al. Warfarin interacions with Chinese traditional medicines: danshen and methyl salicylate medicated oil. Aust N Z J Med 1995;25:258.
- Chan TY. Interaction between warfarin and danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza). Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:501-4. DOI
- Chan TY. Drug interactions as a cause of overanticoagulation and bleedings in Chinese patients receiving warfarin. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1998;36:403-5.
- Izzat MB, Yim APC, El-Zufari MH. A taste of Chinese medicine! Ann Thorac Surg 1998;66:941-2. PubMed
- Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2000;57:1221-7. DOI
- Wahed A, Dasgupta A. Positive and negative in vitro interference of Chinese medicine dan shen in serum digoxin measurement. Elimination of interference by monitoring free digoxin concentration. Am J Clin Pathol 2001;116:403-408. PubMed
- Wu B, Liu M, Zhang S. Dan Shen agents for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007;(2):CD004295. PubMed
- Qiu F, Wang G, Zhang R, Sun J, et al. Effect of danshen extract on the activity of CYP3A4 in healthy volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2010;69:656-62. PubMed
- Li CP, Yung KH, and Chiu KW. Hypotensive action of Salvia miltiorrhiza cell culture extract. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 1990;18(3-4):157-166.
- Chu Y, Zhang L, Wang XY, Guo JH, Guo ZX, Ma XH. The effect of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills, a Chinese herb medicine, on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Oct 11;137(3):1457-61. PubMed
- Ma S, Ju W, Dai G, Zhao W, Cheng X, Fang Z, Tan H, Wang X. Synergistic effects of clopidogrel and fufang danshen dripping pills by modulation of the metabolism target and pharmacokinetics. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:789142. PubMed
- Qiu F, Jiang J, Ma Y, Wang G, Gao C, Zhang X, Zhang L, Liu S, He M, Zhu L, Ye Y, Li Q, Miao P. Opposite Effects of Single-Dose and Multidose Administration of the Ethanol Extract of Danshen on CYP3A in Healthy Volunteers. Evid Based Complement Alternat Me PubMed
- Qiu F, Zeng J, Liu S, He M, Zhu L, Ye Y, Miao P, Shen S, Jiang J. Effects of danshen ethanol extract on the pharmacokinetics of fexofenadine in healthy volunteers. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:473213. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- Wen JH, Xiong YQ. The effect of herbal medicine danshensu and ursolic acid on pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin in rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2011 Dec;36(4):205-11. PubMed
- Zhang Z, Ge B, Zhou L, Lam TN, Zuo Z. Induction of liver cytochrome P450s by Danshen-Gegen formula is the leading cause for its pharmacokinetic interactions with warfarin. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Jul 3;154(3):672-86. PubMed
- 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.
- Zhou L, Wang S, Zhang Z, Lau BS, Fung KP, Leung PC, Zuo Z. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction of Danshen-Gegen extract with warfarin and aspirin. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Sep 28;143(2):648-55. PubMed
- Lv C, Liu C, Yao Z, et al. The clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin when combined with compound danshen: a case study for combined treatment of coronary heart diseases with atrial fibrillation. Front Pharmacol. 2017 Nov 21;8:826. PubMed
- 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 PubMed
- Zhang H, Han X, Li Y, Li H, Guo X. Effects of danshen tablets on pharmacokinetics of amlodipine in rats. Pharm Biol. 2019;57(1):306-309. PubMed
- Zhang Y, Yang M, Ho NJ, et al. Is it safe to take Radix Salvia Miltiorrhiza - Radix Pueraria Lobate product with warfarin and aspirin? A pilot study in healthy human subjects. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Nov 15;262:113151. PubMed
- Ma XJ, Duan WH, Zhang Y, et al. Combination of activating blood circulation and detoxifying Chinese medicines played an anti-inflammatory role in unstable angina patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A multicenter, open-labeled, randomized co
- Liu J, Shi Y, Wu C, et al. Comparison of sweated and non-sweated ethanol extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. (Danshen) effects on human and rat hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and preclinic herb-drug interaction potential evaluation. Curr Drug Metab
- 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. PubMed
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.
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