Rhine

Anthraquinone derivative that is almost insoluble in water and soluble in ether and ethanol. The substance can be extracted from various plants such as Rheum palmatum L., Aloe barbadensis Miller, Cassia angustafolia Vahl, and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (multiflorous knotweed, remedy in traditional Chinese medicine).

Rhein is a relevant phytopharmaceutical with a broad pharmacological spectrum of action. Rhein has numerous pharmacological effects such as: anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antifibrotic, and hepato- and nephroprotective.

Rhein has a laxative effect by stimulating colonic 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 taking e.g. laxatives containing senna (see Sennae folium below).

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.