# Cryptotanshinone **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cryptotanshinone **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** CTS, Cryptotanshinone quinone, Danshen quinone, Salvia miltiorrhiza cryptotanshinone, Red sage cryptotanshinone, 丹参酮隐性醌, CT, Heterocyclic diterpenoid quinone ## Overview Cryptotanshinone is a diterpenoid compound extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza that demonstrates potent anti-cancer properties through multiple pathway inhibitions. This bioactive compound exhibits cytotoxic effects against lung and ovarian cancer cells while providing [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) benefits. ## Health Benefits • Anti-cancer properties: Demonstrates cytotoxic effects against lung cancer (A549, IC50 1.27 μg/mL) and ovarian cancer cells (TOV-21G, IC50 1.39 μg/mL) through multiple pathway inhibitions (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity through STAT3 signaling pathway inhibition (mechanism-based evidence) • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity: Shows antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus strains (preliminary in vitro evidence) • [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support: As a constituent of danshen, traditionally used for cardiovascular conditions, though specific clinical evidence not provided • Antioxidant properties: Demonstrates [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (mechanism described but clinical evidence not provided) ## Mechanism of Action Cryptotanshinone exerts its anti-cancer effects by inhibiting multiple cellular pathways involved in tumor growth and proliferation. The compound demonstrates cytotoxic activity through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. Its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties likely involve modulation of pro-inflammatory mediator pathways, though specific molecular targets require further investigation. ## Clinical Summary Current research on cryptotanshinone is primarily limited to in vitro laboratory studies. Cell culture experiments show significant cytotoxic effects against A549 lung cancer cells (IC50 1.27 μg/mL) and TOV-21G ovarian cancer cells (IC50 1.39 μg/mL). [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity has been demonstrated in laboratory studies, but specific quantified outcomes are not well-established. No human clinical trials have been conducted to confirm these preliminary findings or establish therapeutic dosages. ## Nutritional Profile Cryptotanshinone is a pure bioactive abietane-type diterpene quinone compound (molecular formula: C19H20O3, molecular weight: 312.36 g/mol), isolated primarily from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). It is not a food ingredient and therefore carries no conventional macronutrient or micronutrient profile (zero protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber, or caloric value in physiological nutritional terms). As a concentrated phytochemical compound, it is characterized entirely by its bioactive properties: it belongs to the tanshinone family of lipophilic polycyclic diterpenoids, sharing a fused tricyclic or tetracyclic ring system. Typical extraction yields from Danshen root range from 0.01% to 0.05% dry weight. Bioavailability is notably limited due to its poor water solubility (log P approximately 3.5, indicating high lipophilicity), which restricts oral absorption; studies suggest first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) significantly reduces systemic bioavailability, with peak plasma concentrations achieved more effectively via lipid-based or nanoparticle formulation systems. It is metabolized hepatically via CYP450 enzymes (notably CYP1A2 and CYP3A4). No dietary reference intakes exist; experimental doses in preclinical studies typically range from 5 to 40 mg/kg body weight. No vitamins, minerals, or fiber content is applicable to this pure isolated compound. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for cryptotanshinone in human subjects are available in the current research. Standardized extract concentrations and dosage recommendations for different formulations have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for cryptotanshinone supplementation in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical studies. Potential side effects, appropriate dosage ranges, and contraindications have not been established through human research. Drug interactions remain unknown and could potentially affect medications metabolized through similar pathways. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid cryptotanshinone supplements due to insufficient safety data and potential hormonal effects. ## Scientific Research The available research does not include human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs. Current evidence is limited to in vitro cytotoxicity studies showing IC50 values of 1.27 μg/mL in A549 lung cancer cells and 1.39 μg/mL in TOV-21G ovarian cancer cells, along with mechanistic pathway studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context Cryptotanshinone is a bioactive constituent of danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a foundational herb in traditional Chinese medicine used for centuries to treat [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) conditions, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and blood stasis-related disorders. The compound represents one of the key constituents responsible for danshen's traditional therapeutic properties. ## Synergistic Combinations Tanshinone IIA, other danshen compounds, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) herbs, [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support nutrients ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What cancers does cryptotanshinone work against? Laboratory studies show cryptotanshinone exhibits cytotoxic effects against lung cancer (A549 cells, IC50 1.27 μg/mL) and ovarian cancer cells (TOV-21G, IC50 1.39 μg/mL). However, these are only preliminary in vitro findings that require human clinical validation. ### What is the recommended dosage for cryptotanshinone? No established dosage recommendations exist for cryptotanshinone supplements since human clinical trials have not been conducted. Current evidence comes only from laboratory cell studies using microgram concentrations that cannot be directly translated to human supplementation. ### Is cryptotanshinone the same as tanshinone? Cryptotanshinone is one specific type of tanshinone compound found in Salvia miltiorrhiza. While both are diterpenoids from the same plant, cryptotanshinone has distinct molecular structure and demonstrated stronger anti-cancer properties compared to other tanshinone variants in laboratory studies. ### Can cryptotanshinone be taken with cancer medications? Drug interactions between cryptotanshinone and cancer medications are unknown due to lack of human studies. Given its demonstrated cytotoxic effects in laboratory studies, it could potentially interfere with or enhance chemotherapy drugs, making medical supervision essential. ### Where does cryptotanshinone come from naturally? Cryptotanshinone is naturally found in Salvia miltiorrhiza (red sage or danshen root), a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. This diterpenoid compound is extracted from the dried roots and represents one of the most bioactive components of the plant's therapeutic profile. ### How does cryptotanshinone compare to other tanshinones in terms of potency? Cryptotanshinone demonstrates notably lower IC50 values (1.27–1.39 μg/mL) against lung and ovarian cancer cells compared to several other tanshinone derivatives, suggesting superior cytotoxic potency in preliminary in vitro studies. However, direct head-to-head comparisons with tanshinone IIA and dihydrotanshinone in the same experimental models remain limited in published literature. Its unique mechanism through STAT3 pathway inhibition may provide distinct anti-inflammatory advantages over structurally similar compounds. ### What does current research reveal about cryptotanshinone's safety profile? Most safety data for cryptotanshinone comes from in vitro and limited animal studies, with no completed human clinical trials establishing comprehensive safety parameters or adverse event rates. The compound shows antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory models, but toxicity thresholds, organ accumulation patterns, and long-term exposure effects in humans remain undocumented. Anyone considering supplementation should consult a healthcare provider, as safety data in specific populations (pregnant women, children, those with liver/kidney disease) has not been formally evaluated. ### Is cryptotanshinone bioavailability affected by food, and how should it be taken for optimal absorption? Specific bioavailability studies examining cryptotanshinone absorption in humans, including the effects of food or stomach pH, have not been published in peer-reviewed literature. As a lipophilic compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza (danshen), it may benefit from consumption with dietary fats to enhance absorption, though this remains theoretical based on tanshinone chemistry rather than empirical cryptotanshinone data. Standardized dosing protocols and optimal timing relative to meals await human pharmacokinetic investigation. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*