Design, synthesis and anticancer activity of shikonin and alkannin derivatives with different substituents on the naphthazarin scaffold

Alkanna tinctoria-based sustainable alkanin natural colorant for eco-dyeing of wool

The awareness of sustainability and widespread utilization of green technologies in textile dye houses are revolutionizing not only textile industries but related fields. The current study is concerned with ultrasonic (US)-assisted utilization of extracts of Alkanna tinctoria (a source of natural alkanin dye) for wool dyeing. The extracts are obtained in various media, and both extracts and wool fabrics have been  US treated for 15-60 min. Dyeing is performed by applying variable parameters and utilizing herbal-based extracts as a source of bio-mordant, hence improving the fastness rating and enhancing color strength. Good color strength and fastness ratings are obtained using irradiated extract at 4 pH when the US-treated wool fabric is dyed at 65 °C for 60 min before and after chemical and bio-mordanting. For comparative studies, chemical mordants are also employed. In contrast to chemical mordants, the bio-mordants have made the dyeing process more sustainable with good to excellent fastness rating.

Research Progress on Structure and Anti-Gynecological Malignant Tumor of Shikonin

Gynecological malignancy seriously threatens the physical and mental health of women. Shikonin is a naphthoquinone compound with a variety of biological activities. Studies have shown that shikonin can inhibit cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis and induce cell necrosis. And in recent years, shikonin are also being increasingly used for the study of gynecological malignant diseases. Therefore, we reviewed the mechanism of action and structure optimization of shikonin in gynecological malignant tumors, in order to provide some reference for further research and development of related drug.

Molecular mechanism of shikonin inhibiting tumor growth and potential application in cancer treatment

Shikonin is one of the major bioactive components of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. It has a good killing effect in a variety of tumor cells. Its antitumor effect involves multiple targets and pathways and has received extensive attention and study in recent years. In this review, we systematically review recent progress in determining the antitumor mechanism of shikonin and its derivatives, specifically their induction of reactive oxygen species production, inhibition of EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation, inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of apoptosis and necroptosis. We also discuss the application of nanoparticles loaded with shikonin in the targeted therapy of various cancers. Finally, we suggest new strategies for the clinical application of shikonin and its derivatives.

The evaluation of potent antitumor activities of shikonin coumarin-carboxylic acid, PMMB232 through HIF-1α-mediated apoptosis

In current study, a series of shikonin derivatives were synthesized and its anticancer activity was evaluated. As a result, PMMB232 showed the best antiproliferation activity with an IC₅₀ value of 3.25±0.35μM. Further, treatment of HeLa cells with a variety of concentrations of target drug resulted in dose-dependent event marked by apoptosis. What's more, the mitochondrial potential (Δym) analysis was consistent with the apoptosis result. In addition, PARP was involved in the progress of apoptosis revealed by western blotting. To identify the detailed role and mechanism of PMMB232 in the progression of human cervical cancer, we detected the expression of HIF-1α and E-cadherin in HeLa cells. Results showed that expression of HIF-1α was downregulated, while E-cadherin protein was upregulated. Meanwhile, glycolysis related protein PDK1 was decreased in HeLa cells. Conversely, the expression of PDH-E1α was upregulated. Docking simulation results further indicate that PMMB232 could be well bound to HIF-1α. Taken together, our data indicate that compound PMMB232 could be developed as a potential anticancer agent.