Planta Med 2009; 75(13): 1386-1392
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1185725
Pharmacology
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Anthraquinones in Rheum palmatum in Rats and ex vivo Antioxidant Activity

Chi-Sheng Shia1 , Shin-Hun Juang2 , Shang-Yuan Tsai2 , Pei-Hua Chang1 , Sheng-Chu Kuo1 , Yu-Chi Hou2 , Pei-Dawn Lee Chao2
  • 1Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R. O. C
  • 2School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, R. O. C.
Further Information

Publication History

received January 17, 2009 revised April 15, 2009

accepted April 21, 2009

Publication Date:
03 June 2009 (online)

Abstract

Anthraquinones are a major group of polyphenols in the rhizome of Rheum palmatum L. (RP). This study investigated the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of anthraqinones in RP decoction in rats. The concentrations of four anthraquinones including aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and their glycosides in the decoction were quantitated by HPLC before and after acid hydrolysis with the results indicating that the anthraquinones mainly existed as the glycoside form except for rhein. Rats were orally administered RP decoction and blood samples were assayed by HPLC before and after treatments with sulfatase and β-glucuronidase. It was found that the glucuronides of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin and chrysophanol were predominant in the blood, whereas their aglycones were not detected except for rhein. In conclusion, the anthraquinones were subject to a rapid and extensive conjugation metabolism in rats and the serum metabolites of RP exhibited a potential free radical scavenging effect on AAPH-induced hemolysis at pharmacologically relevant concentrations.

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Pei-Dawn Lee Chao
 Yu-Chi Hou

School of Pharmacy
China Medical University

91 Hsueh-Shih Rd

Taichung 404

Taiwan

ROC

Phone: + 88 64 22 03 10 28

Fax: + 88 64 22 03 10 28

Email: pdlchao@gmail.com

Email: hou5133@gmail.com

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