Biochem/physiol Actions Cryptotanshinone is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound originally extracted from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiaz (danshen). Cryptotanshinone has been found to inhibit HIF activation1 and to inhibit macrophage migration negatively regulate the PI3K pathway.2,3 It has demonstrated activity against several strains of Staphylococcus aureus.4