Cryptotanshinone

Cryptotanshinone is a natural quinoid diterpene first isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza roots, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions.¹ Cryptotanshinone, at 10-20 µM, stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase in C2C12 myotubes and activates p38 MAPK in DU145 cells.^2,3 It inhibits the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in vitro (IC₅₀ = 22.5 µM) and, at 4-8 µM, blocks phosphorylation of STAT3 in MC-3 cells.^4,5 Cryptotanshinone has a variety of anti-cancer actions, including inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and reduction in angiogenesis.^1,5,6 However, it is poorly absorbed and has low bioavailability in vivo.⁶

WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.

1. Chen, W., Lu, Y., Chen, G., et al. Molecular evidence of cryptotanshinone for treatment and prevention of human cancer. Anticancer Agents Med. Chem. 13(7), 979-987 (2013).

2. Kim, E.J., Jung, S.N., Son, K.H., et al. Antidiabetes and antiobesity effect of cryptotanshinone via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Mol. Pharmacol. 72(1), 62-72 (2007).

3. Chen, W., Liu, L., Luo, Y., et al. Cryptotanshinone activates p38/JNK and inhibits Erk1/2 leading to caspase-independent cell death in tumor cells. Cancer Prev. Res. (Phila.) 5(5), 778-787 (2012).

4. Liu, W., Yu, B., Xu, G., et al. Identification of cryptotanshinone as an inhibitor of oncogenic protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 (PTPN11). J. Med. Chem. 56(18), 7212-7221 (2013).

5. Yu, H.J., Park, C., Kim, S.J., et al. Signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 regulates cryptotanshinone-induced apoptosis in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells. Pharmacogn. Mag. 10(Suppl 3), S622-S629 (2014).

6. Zhang, Y., Jiang, P., Ye, M., et al. Tanshinones: Sources, pharmacokinetics and anti-cancer activities. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 13(10), 13621-13666 (2012).