Emodin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
Diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 60 % of all deaths. Although substantial medical advances have been made and many therapeutic approaches proposed yet traditional medicine and medicinal plants find an important place in therapy. They have been providing invaluable solutions to the various health problems. Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a natural anthraquinone derivative found in various Chinese medicinal herbs. Traditionally, it has been used as an active constituent of many herbal laxatives. However, in the last few years, significant progress has been made in studying the biological effects of emodin at cellular and molecular levels and it is emerging as an important therapeutic agent. This review provides an overview of the modulatory effects of emodin in various diseases and cell signaling pathways, which may have important implications in its future clinical use.
Department of Biomedical Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620024, India.
B Anu
BA
Monisha
Radiation and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
Niraj
N
Kumar
Radiation and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India. abtiku@mail.jnu.ac.in.
Ashu Bhan
AB
Tiku
D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004642:Emodin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D004642:Emodin
Anthraquinone; Bioavailability; Cancer; Chemosesitizer; Emodin; Radiosensitizer