anthraquinone

Introduction to Anthraquinones
? Historically: Rhubarb, Senna, Aloes and Cascara were all used as purgative drugs.
? Monocotyledons: Only Liliaceae. ? Most commonly C-glycoside: barbaloin.
? Dicotyledons: Rubiaceae, Leguminosae, Polygonaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lythraceae, and Verbenacacea. Also in certain fungi and lichen.
? Reduced derivatives of anthraquinones ? Oxanthrones, anthranols and anthrones
? Compounds formed by the union of 2 anthrone molecules ? Dianthrones
? Aglycones: ? Chrysophanol/Chrysophanic acid ? Rhubarb and Senna. ? Rhein ? Rhubarb and Senna ? Aloe-emodin ? Rhubarb and Senna ? Emodin ? Rhubarb and Cascara
Senna - Constituents ? 2 active glycosides: Sennoside A Sennoside B ? Sennoside C & Sennoside D ? Rhein ? Aloe-emodin
Senna - Additional
? Medicinal Actions ? Vermifuge, febrifuge
? NOTE: Senna may cause urine to become reddish – no clinical significance.
? Should not be used with cardiac glycosides.
? Note: Over-use causes dependency. ? Overdose: nausea, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and nephritis.