Can You Take Caffeine and Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Caffeine raises blood pressure while danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) lowers it through vasodilation and improved microcirculation. The opposing effects may reduce danshen's cardiovascular benefit.

How to arrange timing

If using danshen for cardiovascular support, consider limiting caffeine or separating intake times.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Zhou L et al. Danshen: chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical use. J Clin Pharmacol. 2005;45(12):1345-1359

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.