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Review
. 2016 Aug;30(8):1207-18.
doi: 10.1002/ptr.5631. Epub 2016 May 18.

Emodin: A Review of its Pharmacology, Toxicity and Pharmacokinetics

Xiaoxv Dong  1 , Jing Fu  1 , Xingbin Yin  1 , Sali Cao  1 , Xuechun Li  1 , Longfei Lin  1 ; Huyiligeqi; Jian Ni  1
Affiliations
Review

Emodin: A Review of its Pharmacology, Toxicity and Pharmacokinetics

Xiaoxv Dong et al. Phytother Res. 2016 Aug.

Abstract

Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative that occurs in many widely used Chinese medicinal herbs, such as Rheum palmatum, Polygonum cuspidatum and Polygonum multiflorum. Emodin has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years and is still present in various herbal preparations. Emerging evidence indicates that emodin possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, emodin could also lead to hepatotoxicity, kidney toxicity and reproductive toxicity, particularly in high doses and with long-term use. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that emodin has poor oral bioavailability in rats because of its extensive glucuronidation. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the pharmacology, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of emodin reported to date with an emphasis on its biological properties and mechanisms of action. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords: emodin; mechanisms; pharmacokinetics; pharmacology; toxicology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structure of emodin.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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