Objective: To find and demonstrate the potential functions of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Method: The descriptions of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma functions from old herbalism documents were investigated by comprehensive summary. Meanwhile

Pu Ji Fang database management system was used to retrieve the distribution and compositions of ancient compounds including Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and summarize the overall functions. The results were further compared with Chinese Pharmacopeia to find the similarities and difficulties of its ancient and present functions

and explore its potential functions. This could be verified by modern pharmacological study and clinical application. Result: The functions of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma from old herbalism documents could be summarized into 13 categories: promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis

reinforcing Qi and nourishing blood

soothing nerves

cooling blood to remove carbuncle

clearing heat-fire

harmonizing blood to regulate menstruation

preventing miscarriage

dispelling wind and eliminating dampness

relieving pain

regulating the flow of Qi

suppressing hyperactive liver for calming endogenous wind

relieving itching and strengthening bone. The indications distribution and composition results ancient traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) compound prescriptions showed that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was widely used to treat 29 kinds of diseases

such as stroke

malady

skim and external diseases

serophthisis perniciosa endemica

asthenic diseases

and so on. Besides the functions and indications recorded by Chinese Pharmacopeia

Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma could be also used in treating wind-stroke syndrome

malady

atrophic debility of bones

edema

heat syndromes

cough

threatened abortion and other diseases. Modern pharmacological study and clinical application showed that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma can protect brain tissues

regulate neurotransmitter disorder

promote osteoblast division and proliferation

bacteriostat

et al. Conclusion: After comparison between ancient documents and modern documents

combined with modern pharmacological study and clinical application

it was proved that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has potential functions of calming liver wind

smoothing spasm

guiding water to alleviate edema

strengthening bones

removing wind-damp syndromes

stopping cough

clearing heat-fire(clearing heat-toxicant)

and preventing miscarriage.