Pharmacological properties of shikonin and its derivatives
Naphthoquinone shikonin and its derivatives are valuable biologically active substances of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. A pronounced pharmacological activity of these compounds was confirmed by numerous studies at different times by many groups of scientists. The researchers found that shikonin and its derivatives have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-tumor effects. At present, many studies are also aimed at understanding the process of formation of these biologically active substances, because these substances are valuable pharmacological agents. This review of the literature is devoted to generalizing of long experience of foreign and domestic scientists in the study of the pharmacological properties of shikonin and its derivatives.