Skin Conditioning
LITHOSPERMUM ERYTHRORHIZON ROOT
Safety score · 0–100
Moderate
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
The red-pigmented root of Asian gromwell. Traditional medicinal colorant and healing herb; PA-adjacent chemistry warrants caution.
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root (CAS 223749-76-6) is the root of the East Asian gromwell (zicao/murasaki), traditionally used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine for wound healing and as a natural red-purple colorant. Its characteristic pigments are the naphthoquinones shikonin and alkannin, which have documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic (in vitro) activity. The Lithospermum genus is also known to biosynthesize pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in some species — PAs are hepatotoxic and some are genotoxic carcinogens, driving regulatory limits (EMA/EFSA) on herbal products. Cosmetic-grade extracts should specify PA content. Shikonin itself is allergenic in some patch-test series. Cosmetic use is typically at 0.1-2% in traditional medicine-style products.
Skin benefits
- Traditional East Asian medicinal root (zicao/gromwell)
- Naphthoquinone pigments (shikonin, alkannin) with antimicrobial activity
- Red/purple natural colorant
- Traditional wound-healing use
Known concerns
- Shikonin and alkannin are pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-adjacent pigments with cytotoxic activity
- Lithospermum genus can contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
- Skin sensitization potential
- Cosmetic regulatory status variable; some EU restrictions on Lithospermum extracts
- Pediatric/pregnancy cautions
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related skin conditionings
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.