Shikonin, a Naphthaquinone of Commercial Importance: its Biosynthesis and Prospect for Use as Drugs

Shikonin is a red naphthaquinone pigment present in the roots of plants of the Boraginaceae family. This pigment is an as active ingredient in several pharmaceutical and cosmetics preparations, and as a dye for fabrics and food items. It shows many bioactivities such as stimulation of peroxidase, protection against UV-radiation, inhibition of microsomal monooxygenase and induction and secretion of nerve growth factor. In this book chapter, we have provided detailed information on its biosynthesis and prospects for pharmaceutical use.