Emodin


Emodin is a chemical compound that can be isolated from rhubarb, buckthorn, and Japanese knotweed. It is specifically isolated from Rheum Palmatum L. It is also produced by many species of fungi, including members of the genera Aspergillus, Pyrenochaeta, and Pestalotiopsis, inter alia. The common name is derived from Rheum emodi, a taxonomic synonym of Rheum australe, and synonyms include emodol, frangula emodin, rheum emodin, 3-methyl-1,6,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone, Schuttgelb, and Persian Berry Lake.

Pharmacology

Emodin is an active component of several plants used in Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Rheum palmatum, Polygonum cuspidatum and Polygonum multiflorum. It has various actions including laxative, antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects, and has also been identified as having potential antiviral activity against coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2, being one of the major active components of the antiviral TCM formulation Lianhua Qingwen.

List of plant species

The following plant species produce emodin: