A Short Commentary of the Quality Control on Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza and its Application for COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is a Chinese herbal used in China to treat irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, insomnia, swelling liver, and angina pectoris. It also has various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, anti-atherogenesis, and anti-diabetes. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), e.g., Danshen, lacks quality control. Pesticide residues and heavy metals are the most important problems, although Danshen may cure many diseases, even SARS-CoV-2 in a COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the present short commentary discusses the background of Danshen, quality management, and its application to COVID-19.