Active ingredient

Biology

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Antimycobacterial

Emodin

Biochemistry

Botany

Food science

Anthraquinone

Anthraquinones

Organic chemistry

Ingredient

Tuberculosis

Pharmacology

Medicine

Chemistry

Polygonum

Traditional medicine

Pathology

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Emodin (6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative found in roots and leaves of various plants, fungi and lichens. For a long time it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an active ingredient in herbs. Among other sources, it is isolated from the rhubarb Rheum palmatum or tuber fleece-flower Polygonam multiflorum. Emodin has a wide range of biological activities, including diuretic, antibacterial, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antinociceptive. According to the most recent studies, emodin acts as an antimalarial and antiallergic agent, and can also reverse resistance to chemotherapy. In the present work the potential therapeutic role of emodin in treatment of inflammatory diseases, cancers and microbial infections is analysed.

The Health Benefits of Emodin, a Natural Anthraquinone Derived from Rhubarb—A Summary Update