Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by increased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (58) . Acute pancreatitis attacks are often followed by multiple organ failure and death, due to the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines (59) and like H5N1 influenza, the 'cytokine storm' mechanism has been used to describe this syndrome (60) . Serum levels of HMGB1 are known to be elevated during acute pancreatitis (61) . Danshen (S. miltiorrhiza), described above as being protective during experimental sepsis, also protects against acute pancreatitis by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (62) , downstream by-products of inflammation. Its use in two syndromes that are characterized by an altered host response, leading to multiple organ failure and death, should make it a priority for influenza researchers interested in examining the effect of immunomodulatory treatments on the course of influenza disease.