Abstract: Objective To summarize the recent advancements in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) with the active ingredients and formulations of Ginseng-Salvia Miltiorrhiza in order to facilitate subsequent research and clinical applications. Methods Relate literature on treating CAD with the active ingredients and formulations of Ginseng-Salvia Miltiorrhiza was retrieved before the theories concerned, pharmacological effects, and molecular mechanisms of TCM were analyzed. Results CAD was regarded as “chest impediment and heart pain in TCM”, and its pathogenesis was characterized by qi deficiency and blood stasis. Ginseng and Salvia Miltiorrhiza were classic herbs for “invigorating qi and promoting blood circulation” with consistent efficacy and broad clinical applicability. The primary active ingredients of Ginseng responsible for cardiovascular protection were ginsenosides (such as Rg₁, Rb₁, etc), while those of Salvia Miltiorrhiza were tanshinones and phenolic acids. Active ingredients and formulations of Ginseng-Salvia Miltiorrhiza (including herbal pairs, combination of active ingredients, and compound formula) could exert significant cardioprotective effects against myocardial injury caused by ischemia, reperfusion injury, and microcirculatory dysfunction during the progression of CAD by improving myocardial energy metabolism, repairing damaged mitochondria, inhibiting inflammatory factor expressions, and counteracting oxidative stress. Conclusion By “invigorating qi and promoting blood circulation”, the active ingredients and formulations of Ginseng-Salvia Miltiorrhiza can synergistically improve cardiac function and attenuate myocardial injury in CAD.

Key words: Invigorating Qi and Promoting Blood Circulation, Ginseng, Salvia Miltiorrhiza, Coronary Artery Disease, Thoracic Obstruction, Heartache