Rhine

Anthraquinone derivative, almost insoluble in water, soluble in ether and ethanol The drug can be produced from various sources. The drug can be extracted from various plants such as Rheum palmatum L., Aloe barbadensis Miller, Cassia angustifolia Vahl., and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

Rhine is a relevant phytopharmaceutical with a broad pharmacological spectrum of activity. Rhine has numerous pharmacological effects such as: anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and hepato -and nephroprotective.

Rhine has a laxative effect by stimulating the large intestine motility and by influencing the synthesis of prostaglandins, serotonin and histamine. On the other hand the drug influences several electrolyte secretion and resorption processes in the colon. The laxative effect occurs about 8-12 hours after ingestion of e.g. Senna-containing laxatives (see below Sennae folium).

1. Sun He et al (2016) A Comprehensive and System Review for the Pharmacological Mechanism of Action of Rhine, an Active Anthraquinone Ingredient. Front Pharmacol 7:247.
2. Wu C et al. (2015) Research Progress on the Antitumor Effects of Rhein: Literature Review. Anticancer Agents Med Chem PubMed PMID: 26419468.
3. Zeng CC et al (2014) The molecular mechanism of rhein in diabetic nephropathy. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. doi: 10.1155/2014/487097.
4. Zhou YX et al (2015) Rhein: A Review of Pharmacological Activities. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med doi: 10.1155/2015/578107.