Shikonin and its derivatives are secondary metabolites accumulating in the roots of Boraginaceae plants, such as Lithospermum erythrorhizon and Onosma paniculatum.These compounds were proved to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.Previous studies revealed that various biotic and abiotic factors, such as light signal, fungal elicitor, nitric oxide and plant hormone ethylene, were involved in the regulation of their formation.