gromwell

Gromwell refers to the medicinal root extract of *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* (and related species like *L. officinale*), a traditional herb widely utilized in East Asian medicine. The primary bioactive constituents are naphthoquinone derivatives, most notably **shikonin** and its esters (such as acetylshikonin), along with **lithospermic acid**. Gromwell is traditionally valued for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, often formulated as a topical ointment (**Zicao Gao**) or oil for burns, ulcers, and inflammatory skin conditions. Modern research has expanded its potential applications to include the mitigation of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) via the Akt/mTOR pathway, the treatment of intestinal colic, and the development of tubulin-targeted anticancer therapies. It is also investigated for its antioxidant effects mediated through Nrf2 activation and its ability to alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Brand names

Zicao ointmentZicao GaoPurple gromwell oil

Other names

Lithospermum erythrorhizonZicaopurple gromwellred gromwellLithospermum officinalegromwell root extract