Shikonin from lithospermum erythrorhizon induces pyroptosis in trophoblast cells by activating the CTSB-NLRP3 inflammasome

Background With the decline of global fertility, drug therapeutic of ectopic pregnancy is of great significance. Lithospermum erythrorhizon is using for embryo killing as herbal medicine. Shikonin is the critical nucleus of Lithospermum erythrorhizon; however, the mechanism is still unclear. The study aimed to explore the mechanism of shikonin against ectopic pregnancy.