title: Progress in research into the mechanism of Radix salviae miltiorrhizae in treatment of acute pancreatitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdomen with high mortality, multiple complications and complicated causes. There is no effective therapy for AP. Radix salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen), a traditional herbal medicine, has a low price and a wide range of clinical applications. It is effective to promote blood flow, eliminate stagnancy, and relieve pain. It is also found to be effective in treating AP. We reviewed the progress in research into the mechanism of Radix salviae miltiorrhizae in treatment of AP.
  
  
  METHODS
  An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1988-2005) on Radix salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen) and acute pancreatitis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mechanisms of Danshen in the treatment of AP include improvement of microcirculatory disturbances; elimination of oxygen free radicals; modulation of the metabolism of lipid inflammatory mediator; and blocking of calcium inflow and prevention of calcium overload.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Danshen can effectively reduce the mortality and complications of AP.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, China. zxp99688@vip.163.com
authors.forename: Xi-Ping
authors.initials: XP
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhi-Jun
authors.initials: ZJ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Da-Ren
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects; D010179:Pancreas / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D027561:Salvia miltiorrhiza
chemical_list: D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D010936:Plant Extracts; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D002118:Calcium