Aloe emodin

Aloe emodin
Clinical data
Other namesRhabarberone
Routes of
administration
Oral
ATC code
  • None
Identifiers
  • 1,8-Dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-9,10-anthracenedione
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.006.884
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC15H10O5
Molar mass270.240 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
Melting point223 to 224 °C (433 to 435 °F) Sublimes in CO2 stream
  • O=C2c1cccc(O)c1C(=O)c3c2cc(cc3O)CO
  • InChI=1S/C15H10O5/c16-6-7-4-9-13(11(18)5-7)15(20)12-8(14(9)19)2-1-3-10(12)17/h1-5,16-18H,6H2 Y
  • Key:YDQWDHRMZQUTBA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y
 NY (what is this?)  (verify)

Aloe emodin (1,8-dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)anthraquinone) is an anthraquinone and an isomer of emodin present in aloe latex, an exudate from the aloe plant. It has a strong stimulant-laxative action. Aloe emodin is not carcinogenic when applied to the skin, although it may increase the carcinogenicity of some kinds of radiation.

Aloe emodin is found in the gel, sap or leaves of aloe vera, the socotrine aloe, and Zanzibar aloes, the bark of Frangula (Rhamnus frangula) and cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana), the leaves of Senna (Cassia angustifolia), and the rhizome of rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum). Aloe-emodin has not been found in Natal aloes.