In an ALI rat model, paraquat‐augmented airway inflammation, vascular leakage, and tissue damage are attenuated by tanshinone IIA (also known as danshen), an active compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhizae Bunge, via the increased expression of ACE2 and Ang (1‐7).163. This evidence concerns the gene ACE2 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.