Oral submucous fibrosis is a premalignant condition predominantly occurring in Southeast Asian countries. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer. The current article highlights the promising benefits of the novel agent tanshinones (TSNs) in the management of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. The letter is written with the aim to promote more research on TSNs in the management of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.