Shikonin
紫草素
Also known as: Shikonine, Alkannin, 5,8-Dihydroxy-2-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-pent-3-enyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione, Gromwell red, Tokyo Violet, C.I. 75535, NSC 252844, Isoarnebin 4
Shikonin (CAS 517-89-5) is a compound in the Organic Compounds category listed in the Jingsj chemical database. It has the molecular formula C16H16O5 and a molecular weight of 288.295 g/mol. It is also known as Shikonine, Alkannin and 5,8-Dihydroxy-2-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-pent-3-enyl]naphthalene-1,4-dione. Key properties include a melting point of 147ºC, a boiling point of 567.4±50.0 °C at 760 mmHg, a density of 1.4±0.1 g/cm3 and a flash point of 311.0±26.6 °C. No supplier offers are currently listed; request a quote. Record last updated Aug 21, 2026.
- CAS No.
- 517-89-5
- Jingsj CID
- J-18827-6
- Molecular Formula
- C16H16O5
- Chinese Name
- 紫草素
- Molecular Weight
- 288.295 g/mol
- Category
- Organic Compounds
- Last updated
- 8/21/2026
No offers for this compound yet.
Request a quotePhysicochemical Properties
| Melting Point | 147ºC |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 567.4±50.0 °C at 760 mmHg |
| Density | 1.4±0.1 g/cm3 |
| Flash Point | 311.0±26.6 °C |
| Exact Mass | 288.099762 |
| PSA | 94.83000 |
| LogP | 4.35 |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0±1.6 mmHg at 25°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.642 |
Activity & Biological Data
| Target | NF-κB TNF-α TMEM16A chloride channel:6.5 μM (IC50) PKM2 |
|---|---|
| Additional Information | [1]. Jiang Y et al. Shikonin Inhibits Intestinal Calcium-Activated Chloride Channels and Prevents Rotaviral Diarrhea. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Aug 23;7:270. [2]. Li W, et al. Shikonin Suppresses Skin Carcinogenesis via Inhibiting Cell Proliferation. PLoS One. 2015 May 11;10(5):e0126459. [3]. Yan Y, et al. Shikonin Promotes Skin Cell Proliferation and Inhibits Nuclear Factor-κB Translocation via Proteasome Inhibition In Vitro. Chin Med J (Engl). 2015 Aug 20;128(16):2228-33. [4]. Zhang FY, et al. Shikonin Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of Human Glioblastoma Cells by Targeting Phosphorylated β-Catenin and Phosphorylated PI3K/Akt: A Potential Mechanism for the Anti-Glioma Efficacy of a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Oct 9;16(10):23823-48. [5]. Fu D, et al. Shikonin inhibits inflammation and chondrocyte apoptosis by regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Exp Ther Med. 2016 Oct;12(4):2735-2740. |
Customs & Trade Information
| HS Code | 2914690090 |
|---|---|
| Summary | 2914690090 other quinones。Supervision conditions:None。VAT:17.0%。Tax rebate rate:9.0%。MFN tariff:5.5%。General tariff:30.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CAS number of Shikonin?
The CAS number of Shikonin is 517-89-5.
What are the molecular formula and molecular weight of Shikonin?
Shikonin has molecular formula C16H16O5 and molecular weight 288.295 g/mol.
What are the upstream and downstream products of Shikonin?
For Shikonin, Upstream Products: 4-Bromonaphtho[1,8-de:4,5-d'e']bis([1,3]dioxine), Naphtho[1,8-de:4,5-d'e']bis[1,3]dioxin, 1,4,5,8-tetramethoxynaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde; Downstream Products: Acetylshikonin, Alkannan.
Data compiled from public chemical databases and supplier catalogs; supplier offers are provided by suppliers.
Last updated:
How to cite: Jingsj. "Shikonin (CAS 517-89-5)". Jingsj Chemical Database. https://www.jingsj.com/compound/J-18827-6 (accessed 2026-10-28).
Data for reference only; verify specifications, grades and regulatory status with suppliers before purchase.