Shikonin

Shikonin Reviews

Lithospermum erythrorhizon is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Boraginaceae family and Lithospermum genus, with a dark red purple outer skin. It was an important dye plant in ancient China and has great medicinal value. Shikonin is a lipid soluble naphthoquinone compound extracted from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, which appears as a purple red powder or liquid in appearance. It is insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, organic solvents, and vegetable oil, easily soluble in alkaline water, and precipitates in acid. The derivatives of shikonin include acetyl shikonin, B, p ‘- dimethylacryl shikonin, p-hydroxyisovaleryl shikonin, isovaleryl shikonin, deoxy shikonin, etc. It has pharmacological effects such as anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It can not only be used as a medicine, but also as a natural pigment, mainly used in industries such as food, medical, and cosmetics. Clinically used for the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, flat warts, psoriasis, local application for treating burns and promoting wound healing. Eye drops containing shikonin can be used to treat herpes simplex virus keratitis. Oil containing shikonin can be used to treat infantile dermatitis, eczema, vaginitis, cervicitis, etc. Toothpaste containing shikonin can prevent and treat dental caries and gingivitis.

Health Benefits of Shikonin

Shikonin has been associated with an array of potential health benefits, such as Anti-inflammatory, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, Antibacterial and so on, here we will browes some of its important Health Benefits as below:
Anti-inflammatory Activity
Research has found that shikonin mainly exerts anti-inflammatory activity from the following aspects. Firstly, shikonin can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediator TNF – α by macrophages. Secondly, shikonin can inhibit the transport of NF kBp65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of macrophages. Then, shikonin increases the expression levels of I-kB α and ubiquitination proteins in macrophages. Finally, shikonin also induces the death of apoptotic and necrotic cells. In addition, shikonin can strongly inhibit the biosynthesis of leukotriene B4 and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in white blood cells, exerting anti-inflammatory effects.
Antiviral Activity
Shikonin can interfere with the virus replication process, thereby inhibiting or killing virus infected cells. Researchers used blood cell agglutination reaction and cellular pathology to study the anti influenza virus effect of L-shikonin. The results showed that it had low toxicity within the concentration range used in the experiment, and had certain in vitro anti influenza virus activity and direct killing effect on the parainfluenza virus.
Antibacterial Activity
Some components of Shikonin have antibacterial effects and can directly damage bacterial cell walls or interfere with their metabolic processes. It can be used to treat infections caused by Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. Moreover, scientists have found through experiments that shikonin also has a strong inhibitory effect on Candida albicans. Compared to other drugs, it is non-toxic and has resistance.
Antitumor Activity
Shikonin can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and regulate the immune function of the body. After conducting research, scholars have found that shikonin has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of colon cancer and is expected to be one of the adjunctive drugs for chemotherapy. At the same time, its combination with fluorouracil or cisplatin, combined with anti APRIL therapy, may have a potential important role in combating the increased proliferation ability of residual cancer cells. In addition, shikonin can also induce apoptosis in various tumor cells.
Other Functions
Shikonin, as a natural antioxidant, can eliminate free radicals and delay cell aging. In addition, shikonin can also promote wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation. Not only that, shikonin also has an anti allergic effect. It can stabilize the mast cell membrane, prevent its release of histamine and other mediators, and thus alleviate allergic reactions. Mainly used to alleviate symptoms caused by urticaria, eczema, etc.

Shikonin Side Effects

If patients follow the doctor’s advice to use shikonin, there will generally be no significant adverse reactions or side effects. However, the side effects of shikonin may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and blood toxicity.

Where to Buy High Quality Shikonin

Henan Steeda Industrial Co.,Ltd is a Reputed Manufacturer and Supplier Supplying High Quality Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical Ingredients. Shikonin is one of our most competitive ingredients with stocks available all year round. By providing high quality, we establish long-term relationships with our customers.

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