Abstract
Shikonin is a red naphthaquinone pigment present in the roots of plants of
the Boraginaceae family. This pigment is an as active ingredient in several
pharmaceutical and cosmetics preparations, and as a dye for fabrics and food items. It
shows many bioactivities such as stimulation of peroxidase, protection against UV-radiation, inhibition of microsomal monooxygenase and induction and secretion of
nerve growth factor. In this book chapter, we have provided detailed information on its
biosynthesis and prospects for pharmaceutical use.