Emodin, a compound found in Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), may help prevent colorectal disease due to impressive therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE As a revered medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese rhubarb, also known as rhei or dahuang, has long been prized for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties
One of its most powerful compounds — emodin — is a natural anthraquinone with demonstrated antitumorigenic properties
New research also found that emodin may be an “effective primary therapy against the onset of genetic and chemically induced sporadic colorectal cancer”
Emodin reduced polyp count and size in a mouse model of colorectal cancer; polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon that can turn into cancer
Mice that received emodin had lower pro-tumor macrophages — immune cells that may promote tumorigenesis Emodin, a compound found in Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), may help prevent colon cancer,[1] confirming one of its ancient uses as an anticancer remedy in China. As a revered medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese rhubarb, also known as rhei or dahuang,[2] has long been prized for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties….