Definition
Purgative anthraquinone found in several plants, especially Rhamnus frangula. It was formerly used as a laxative, but is now used mainly as tool in toxicity studies.
Present in Cascara sagrada Emodin is a purgative resin from rhubarb, Polygonum cuspidatum, the buckthorn and Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica). The term may also refer to any one of a series of principles isomeric with the emodin of rhubarb. (Wikipedia)
Description
Emodin is found in dock. Emodin is present in Cascara sagrada.Emodin is a purgative resin from rhubarb, Polygonum cuspidatum, the buckthorn and Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica). The term may also refer to any one of a series of principles isomeric with the emodin of rhubarb. (Wikipedia) Emodin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, signalling, antibiotic, muscle building and anti-angiogenic functions (A3049, A7853, A7854, A7855, A7857).
Emodin is Found in These Foods
Top Gene Interactions
Related Pathways
Emodin Health Effects
- Advanced glycation end products inhibitor
- Allergenic
- Anti angiogenic
- Anti cytomegalovirus
- Anti feedant
- Anti inflammatory
- Anti leukemic
- Anti lymphomic
- Anti methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Anti neoplastic
- Anti plaque
- Anti proliferant
- Anti septic
- Anti spasmodic
- Anti sprout
- Antitumor
- Anti ulcer
- Anti vaginitic
- Anti viral
- Cathartic
- Central nervous system depressant
- Collagenase inhibitor
- Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor
- Cytotoxic
- Differentiator
- Genotoxic
- Gonadotropic
- Hypolipidemic
- Immunostimulant
- Immunosuppressant
- INOS inhibitor
- Leucocytogenic
- Matrix-metalloproteinase-2 inhibitor
- Matrix-metalloproteinase-7 inhibitor
- Matrix-metalloproteinase-9 inhibitor
- Nitric-oxide inhibitor
- Pesticide
- Prostaglandin-E2 inhibitor
- Protein kinase C inhibitor
- Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor
- Protein-tyrosine-kinase inhibitor
- Purgative
- Styptic
- Topoisomerase-II inhibitor
- Trichomonicide
- Tyrosine-kinase inhibitor
- Vasodilator
- Vasorelaxant
- Aldose reductase inhibitor
- Anti aggregant
- Anti bacterial
- Anti mutagenic
- Anti sarcomic
- Estrogenic
- Mutagenic
General Information
- Metabolism: Emodin is biotransformed by the microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes into active hydroxyemodins such as omega-hydroxyemodin and 2-hydroxyemodin. Emodin glycoside is carried unabsorbed to the large intestine, where it is metabolized to the active aglycones by intestinal bacterial flora. (A3043, A3046)
- Uses/Sources: Emodin is a mycotoxin and naturally occurring anthraquinone present in the roots and barks of numerous plants, such as rhubarb. It is an active ingredient of Chinese herbs, including Rheum officinale and Polygonam cuspidatum. Emodin is also produced as a secondary metabolite by molds and lichens such as Aspergillus wentii. It has been used as a laxative and also investigated as a potential chemotherapeutic drug. (A3043)
- Health Effects: Chronic use can cause disturbances in electrolyte balance, especially potassium deficiency, and fluid imbalance. Emodin may also cause damage to kidney cells. (A3043, A3044)
- Symptoms: Emodin has purgative properties and causes diarrhea. (A3043)
- Route of Exposure: Oral, dermal, inhalation, and parenteral (contaminated drugs). (A3101)
Toxicity
- Carcinogenicity: No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
- Toxicity: LD50: 35 mg/kg (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (L135)