Shikonin，是一种 Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) 有效的、特异的抑制剂。它是紫草的主要成分，紫草是一种中草药，具有多种生物活性。在细胞荧光淬灭试验中，Shikonin也是TMEM16A氯离子通道的抑制剂。Shikonin 通过抑制 tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) 发挥抗炎作用，并可通过抑制 proteasome 来阻止 nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) 信号途径的激活。 (±)-Shikonin is a racemic mixture of naturally occuring isohexenylnaphthazarin compounds which may contribute to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. (±)-Shikonin is a racemic mixture of naturally occuring isohexenylnaphthazarin compounds which may contribute to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.