Research Progress in Cell Apoptosis Induced by Shikonin and Signal Pathway of Apoptosis / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

s:Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is a gene controlled active cell suicide process in order to maintain balance of organisms. Apoptosis is mainly mediated through three signal pathways, including the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and death receptor. As a kind of naphthoquinone compounds and one of the main active ingredients of Lithospermum, shikonin has many biological activities, and its anti-cancer research is recent hot spot. The anti-cancer mechanism of shikonin is closely related with apoptosis and three kinds of signaling pathways. This article reviewed the research progress in apoptosis and signal pathways induced by shikonin.