Cryptotanshinone

Cryptotanshinone is a quinoid diterpene extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and has been used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compound. As an antibacterial agent, cryptotanshinone exhibits a broad range of activity against gram positive bacteria. In vivo studies of bactericidal mechanisms have shown cryptotanshinone to form superoxides which damage bacterial proteins, lipids and DNA.