Shikonin modulates cell proliferation by inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in human epidermoid carcinoma cells
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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates
Published on: April 22, 2019
Fiza Singh1, Dayuan Gao, Mark G Lebwohl
1Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Abstract:
Shikonin isolated from the roots of the Chinese herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon has been associated with anti-inflammatory properties. We evaluated shikonin's chemotherapeutic potential and investigated its possible mechanism of action in a human cutaneous neoplasm in tissue culture. Shikonin preferentially inhibits the growth of human epidermoid carcinoma cells concentration- and time-dependently compared to SV-40 transfected keratinocytes, demonstrating its anti-proliferative effects against this cancer cell line. Additionally, shikonin decreased phosphorylated levels of EGFR, ERK1/2 and protein tyrosine kinases, while increasing phosphorylated JNK1/2 levels. Overall, shikonin treatment was associated with increased intracellular levels of phosphorylated apoptosis-related proteins, and decreased levels of proteins associated with proliferation in human epidermoid carcinoma cells.
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