Crosstalk between HO and Ca signaling is involved in root endophyte-enhanced tanshinone biosynthesis of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Tanshinones are bioactive ingredients derived from the herbal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza and are used for treating diseases of the heart and brain, thus ensuring quality of S. miltiorrhiza is paramount. Applying the endophytic fungus Trichoderma atroviride D16 can significantly increase the content of tanshinones in S.