Product name: Emodin-6-O-glucoside
Synonym name: Emodin glucoside; Glucoemodin
Catalogue No.: BP4688
Cas No.: 34298-85-6
Formula: C₂₁H₂₀O₁₀
Mol Weight: 432.381
Botanical Source:
Type of Compound: Quinones

Purity: 95%~99%
Analysis Method: HPLC-DAD or/and HPLC-ELSD
Identification Method: Mass, NMR
Packing: Brown vial or HDPE plastic bottle

Storage: Store in a well closed container, protected from air and light. Put into refrigerate or freeze for long term storage.
Whenever possible, you should prepare and use solutions on the same day. However, if you need to make up stock solutions in advance, we recommend that you store the solution as aliquots in tightly sealed vials at -20℃. Generally, these will be useable for up to two weeks.

The product could be supplied from milligrams to grams
Inquire for bulk scale.

For Reference Standard and R&D, Not for Human Use Directly.

Storage conditions：Short-term storage at 2~8℃, long-term storage at -20 ~ -80℃

Introduction/Overview

Emodin-6-O-glucoside (CAS No.: 34298-85-6) is an important natural product and is a glycoside derivative of anthraquinone compounds. As one of the active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicinal materials such as rhubarb (Rheum spp.), this compound has attracted widespread attention in pharmacological research in recent years due to its unique bioactivity and relatively good safety. Especially in terms of laxative effects, emodin-6-O-glucoside shows significant pharmacological effects, involving regulation of various ion channels and transport proteins, demonstrating its potential value as a natural laxative.

This paper aims to systematically review the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of emodin-6-O-glucoside, plant origin and extraction methods, pharmacological activity and mechanism of action, druggability evaluation, and pharmacokinetic characteristics, and to explore its clinical application prospects, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation and reference for subsequent related research and new drug development.

Chemical structure and physicochemical properties

Emodin-6-O-glucoside is an anthraquinone compound with a molecular formula of C21H20O10 and a molecular weight of 432.3810. Its structure is formed by the formation of O-glycosidic bonds between an emodin molecule and a glucose molecule via a 6-position hydroxyl group. This structure imparts high polarity, with a LogP value of 0.6915, indicating moderate lipophilicity, which facilitates distribution in the body without excessive lipid dissolution, meeting good drug compatibility.

Its topological pole surface area (TPSA) is 173.98 Ų, indicating strong polarity and hydrogen bond donor/acceptor capacity, usually associated with good water solubility, with a water solubility value of 1.2527, supporting its good solubility in the aqueous phase. Additionally, emodin-6-O-glucoside has low blood-brain barrier permeability, suggesting a lower risk of side effects in the central nervous system. The hERG channel inhibition test was negative, indicating a low risk of cardiotoxicity. The Ames mutagenic test scored 1.2, indicating a low genotoxicity risk and good safety potential.

Plant Origins and Extraction Methods

Emodin-6-O-glucoside is mainly found in the rhizomes of Rheum spp., with rhubarb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (Rheum palmatum L., Rheum officinale Baill., etc.) as the primary source. As a traditional Chinese medicine, rhubarb is widely used for its laxative and heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, and its extraction and separation techniques for related active ingredients are also relatively mature.

Extraction methods mostly use water extraction–alcohol precipitation or alcohol extraction–separation techniques. The specific process usually includes:

1. After pulverizing, reflux extraction is performed using 70% ethanol or water as solvent, with extraction temperature controlled at 60-80°C and a time of about 1-2 hours.
2. After filtration and concentration, the extract is separated and purified by liquid-liquid extraction and column chromatography (such as silica gel columns, C18 reversed-phase columns).
3. Purification is performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or preparative HPLC, combined with mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to confirm structures.

In recent years, ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction technologies have also been applied to improve extraction efficiency and purity, further advancing research and development of emodin-6-O-glucoside.

Pharmacological activity research

The pharmacological activity of emodin-6-O-glucoside mainly focuses on laxativeness, but it also exhibits certain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities, but its laxative effect is the most significant and extensively studied biological function.

Purgative effect

As a glycoside derivative of anthraquinone compounds, emodin-6-O-glucoside regulates intestinal water and electrolyte transport, promotes the excretion of intestinal contents, and exhibits a significant laxative effect. Both in vivo and in vivo experiments have shown that it can significantly increase intestinal peristalsis, promote water secretion, and shorten the time it takes for stool to pass through.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

Some studies have shown that emodin-6-O-glucoside can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators, reduce inflammatory responses in the intestinal mucosa, and may exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. At the same time, the phenolic hydroxyl groups in its structure endow it with certain free radical scavenging abilities, exhibiting antioxidant activity that helps alleviate tissue damage related to oxidative stress.

Other pharmacological effects

Some studies have reported inhibitory effects on certain pathogens, suggesting it may play an auxiliary role in intestinal microecological regulation, but the related mechanisms require further clarification.

Mechanism of action and molecular targets

The laxative mechanism of emodin-6-O-glucoside involves regulation of various intestinal ion channels and transport proteins, with main targets including:

• SLC5A1 (Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 1): Regulates the absorption of glucose and sodium ions in the intestine, affects osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen, and promotes water inflow.
• CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conduction Regulator): Regulates intestinal chloride ion secretion and increases water content in the intestinal lumen.
• AQP3 (aquaporin 3): regulates intestinal water transport and promotes water excretion.
• KCNJ13 (inward rectifying potassium channel): participates in intestinal electrolyte balance and regulates cell membrane potentials.
• SLC12A2 (Sodium-Potassium-Chlorotransporter 2): Regulates electrolyte transport and affects intestinal osmotic pressure.
• KCNMA1 (large conductive potassium channel): regulates smooth muscle excitability and promotes intestinal peristalsis.
• SCNN1B (epithelial sodium channel β subunit): Participates in sodium ion absorption and affects water reabsorption.

By regulating these targets, emodin-6-O-glucoside can coordinate the transport of intestinal electrolytes and water, enhance intestinal peristalsis, and ultimately achieve a laxative effect. Moreover, its regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways indirectly promotes the recovery and maintenance of intestinal function.

Druggability evaluation and pharmacokinetics

The druggability parameters of emodin-6-O-glucoside indicate that it has good potential for drug development. The molecular weight of 432.3810 meets the basic requirements of the Lipinski rule, and the LogP value of 0.6915 indicates moderate lipid solubility, which is beneficial for distribution in the body. A high TPSA value (173.98) may limit oral bioavailability, but its good water solubility (1.2527) aids formulation development.

The blood-brain barrier has low permeability, reducing the risk of central nervous system side effects. hERG channels have no inhibitory effects, reducing potential risks of cardiotoxicity. Ames test results indicate that it carries a low genotoxicity risk and is relatively safe.

In terms of pharmacokinetics, current research is relatively limited. Preliminary in vivo experiments show that oral absorption is slow, possibly due to the glycoside structure being activated by water in the intestine by hydroxlavin. Metabolism mainly occurs through hepatic enzyme systems, and the safety of these metabolites requires further evaluation. The main excretion routes are the kidneys and bile, with a moderate half-life, suitable for daily administration.

Prospects and outlooks for clinical applications

Emodin-6-O-glucoside, as a natural laxative, has significant pharmacological activity and good safety, with broad clinical application prospects. It has shown potential advantages in treating constipation, intestinal dysfunction, and related inflammatory bowel diseases, especially suitable for patients with high long-term use needs and strict safety requirements.

Future research should focus on the following aspects:

1. Systematic study of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: clarifying absorption, metabolism, and excretion characteristics in the body, optimizing administration regimens.
2. In-depth analysis of the mechanism of action: Through molecular biology and electrophysiology techniques, further elucidates its regulatory mechanisms of intestinal ion channels and transporters.
3. Clinical trial validation: Conduct large-scale, randomized controlled clinical trials to evaluate efficacy, safety, and indication range.
4. Formulation Development: Based on its physicochemical properties, develop oral sustained-release or compound formulations to improve bioavailability and patient compliance.
5. Potential of multi-target combination therapy: Explore its synergistic effects with other natural products or Western medicines to expand its clinical applications.

Conclusion

Emodin-6-O-glucoside, as a natural anthraquinone glycoside, demonstrates significant pharmacological value in laxative effects and the treatment of intestinal diseases due to its unique chemical structure and multi-target regulatory mechanism. Its excellent safety and druggability parameters provide a solid foundation for new drug development. In the future, through systematic pharmacological mechanism research, pharmacokinetic analysis, and clinical validation, it is expected to be developed into a safe and effective natural laxative, benefiting a wide range of patients. In-depth exploration of natural product pharmacology will further promote the application and innovation of emodin-6-O-glucoside and similar compounds in modern medicine.