Application

Shikonin has been used:to enhance the anti-tumor activity of gefitinib on tyrosine kinase receptor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in wild-type lung cancer cellsas an inhibitor of renal aerobic glycosis and a potentialas an anti-inflammatory agent to test its role to improve lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunctionto stimulate bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to test the effect of Interferon regulatory factor 1 on cell death

Biochem/physiol Actions

Naphthoquinone isolated from Arnebia sp. Used as an anti-inflammatory treatment in traditional chinese medicine (TCM). Inhibits chemokine receptor function and suppresses HIV-1.† Circumvents cancer drug resistance by induction of cell death through a necroptotic pathway.† Treatment of cancer cells with shikonin suppressed glycolysis via the inhibition of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2).

Shikonin is a potent anti-fungal agent against C. albicans biofilms. It displays anti-oxidant and chemotherapeutic properties on human glioma cells.

General description

Shikonin is a major phytochemical compound extracted from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. It is a natural anthraquinone derivative.

Packaging

10 mg in glass bottle

50 mg in poly bottle