Emodin in atherosclerosis prevention: Pharmacological actions and therapeutic potential

Authors：Luo, Ning; Fang, Jian; Wei, Liqin; Sahebkar, Amirhossein; Little, Peter J.; Xu, Suowen; Luo, ChongBin^*; Li, GuangNing^*

Source：European Journal of Pharmacology, 2021, 890: 173617.

DOI：10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173617

• Emodin
• Cardiovascular disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Therapeutic target

Atherosclerotic plaque formation, destabilization and eventual rupture leads to the acute cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction and stroke. Emodin (PubChem CID#3220), (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthracene-9,10-dione) is a pharmacologically bioactive constituent isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Radix rhizoma Rhei. This molecule has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-apoptotic and lipid-modulating effects. Experimental studies have demonstrated that emodin attenuates and stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques. In this mini-review, we provide a summary of the pharmacological actions of emodin in regulating vascular function and atherosclerosis, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this phytochemical in patients with cardiovascular disease.

• Institution
  Sun Yat-sen University; Southern Medical University; 1