Antidyslipidemic effect and antioxidant activity of anthraquinone derivatives from Rheum emodi rhizomes in dyslipidemic rats

J Nat Med. 2014 Apr;68(2):363-71. doi: 10.1007/s11418-013-0810-z. Epub 2013 Dec 17.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antidyslipidemic effect of ethanolic extract of Rheum emodi rhizomes and its constituents in Triton-WR-1339 and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced dyslipidemic rats. In preliminary screening, the ethanolic extract showed significant activity in Triton-treated rats. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract resulted in the identification of four anthraquinone derivatives, viz. chrysophanol, emodin, chrysophanol 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and emodin 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside as active constituents. All these compounds significantly reduced plasma lipid levels. The most active compound emodin showed significant lipid-lowering activity in the HFD-fed model. In addition, these compounds showed significant antioxidant activity. The effect of emodin on enzymes modulating lipid metabolism confirms and supports the efficiency of emodin as a potent antidyslipidemic agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthraquinones / chemistry
  • Anthraquinones / pharmacology*
  • Anthraquinones / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Dyslipidemias / blood
  • Dyslipidemias / chemically induced
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Emodin / pharmacology
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Lipids / blood
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Rats
  • Rheum / chemistry*
  • Rhizome / chemistry

Substances

  • Anthraquinones
  • Antioxidants
  • Lipids
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Emodin
  • tyloxapol