aloe-emodin

Aloe-emodin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative found in several medicinal plants, including Aloe vera, Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Cassia occidentalis, and Polygonum multiflorum. It is known for its strong stimulant-laxative action and has been used traditionally as a laxative. Pharmacologically, aloe-emodin exhibits multiple biological activities such as anticancer (antineoplastic), antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiparasitic, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Its anticancer mechanisms include induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of the caspase pathway (notably caspase-9/3/GSDME axis), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), S phase cell cycle arrest, DNA damage induction through topoisomerase II inhibition, modulation of gene expression affecting pathways like MAPK/p53/PI3K-Akt signaling and epigenetic regulation. Despite these promising activities in preclinical studies against various cancers and other diseases such as inflammation or liver fibrosis, clinical data are limited. Toxicity concerns include hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity; poor intestinal absorption limits its bioavailability[1][4][5][6][7].

Other names

1,8-dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)anthraquinone1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethylanthraquinone3-(hydroxymethyl)chrysazin