Cryptotanshinone suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma as an STAT3 inhibitor

Cryptotanshinone (CPT) is a lipid-soluble constituent isolated from the root of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge. Except the widely known antimicrobial, cardioprotection and antiinflammation effect, recent studies emphasize the potent anticancer activity of CPT in a wide variety of human cancers. Our previous study paid attention to the function of CPT against RCC. Results demonstrated that CPT could significantly suppress RCC formation in vitro and in vivo as a specific STAT3 inhibitor, indicating the potential therapeutic value of CPT against RCC.