Emodin (Emo)

Emodin is a purgative resin, 6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone, from rhubarb, buckthorn and Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica syn. Polygonum cuspidatum). It can also be isomers in botanical extracts. Emodin is being studied as a potential agent that could reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes. It is a potent selective inhibitor of the enzyme 11β-HSD1. In studies in obese mice, emodin limits the effect of glucocorticoids and may therefore ameliorate diabetes and insulin resistance. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that emodin when isolated from rhubarb exhibits anti-cancer effects on several human cancers, including human pancreatic cancer. Emodin in rhubarb extracts may also have neuroprotective properties against glutamate toxicity. Aloe-emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a variety of emodin found in Socotrine, Barbados, and Zanzibar aloes, but not in Natal aloes.