Anthraquinones As Pharmacological Tools and Drugs.
Anthraquinones (9,10-dioxoanthracenes) constitute an important class of natural and synthetic compounds with a wide range of applications. Besides their utilization as colorants, anthraquinone derivatives have been used since centuries for medical applications, for example, as laxatives and antimicrobial and antiinflammatory agents. Current therapeutic indications include constipation, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Moreover, biologically active anthraquinones derived from Reactive Blue 2 have been utilized as valuable tool compounds for biochemical and pharmacological studies. They may serve as lead structures for the development of future drugs. However, the presence of the quinone moiety in the structure of anthraquinones raises safety concerns, and anthraquinone laxatives have therefore been under critical reassessment. This review article provides an overview of the chemistry, biology, and toxicology of anthraquinones focusing on their application as drugs.
PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, Pharmaceutical Sciences Bonn (PSB), University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany.
Enas M
EM
Malik
PharmaCenter Bonn, Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, Pharmaceutical Sciences Bonn (PSB), University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121, Bonn, Germany.
Christa E
CE
Müller
D000818:Animals; D000880:Anthraquinones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000880:Anthraquinones
Reactive Blue 2; anthraquinone; anticancer; drug synthesis and development; laxative; medicinal plants; toxicity