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Emodin
Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative frequently isolated from higher plant species such as Rheum palmatum (rhubarb) and Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed). Characterized by its highly stable planar aromatic backbone, Emodin is widely studied in preclinical research settings for its distinct redox properties and multi-target signaling pathways. Within controlled in vitro configurations, this small molecule serves as an essential reference agent for interrogating oxidative stress responses, inflammatory cascades, enzyme inhibition dynamics, and mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Structural Elements to Observe: The diagram above details the tricyclic core that defines Emodin’s chemical behavior. The anthraquinone ring features three strategically positioned hydroxyl groups (-OH) at positions 1, 3, and 8, balanced by a single methyl group (-CH₃) at position 6. This exact spatial arrangement creates a highly functional, conjugated system that investigators leverage to study electron transport interceptions, competitive kinase bindings, and membrane-permeation kinetics.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Emodin |
| CAS Number | 518-82-1 |
| IUPAC Name | 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthracene-9,10-dione |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₅H₁₀O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 270.24 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Substituted Anthraquinone |
| Physical Appearance | Orange to reddish-orange crystalline powder |
| Melting Point | 255–257 °C |
| Solubility Baseline | Poorly soluble in water; highly soluble in DMSO and Ethanol |
Research Applications & Mechanisms of Interest
Because of its planar structure and electronic configurations, Emodin exhibits a highly versatile profile when interacting with isolated proteins, liposomes, and cellular matrices.
Primary fields of investigative laboratory research include:
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Oxidative Stress & ROS Dynamics: Tracking how the anthraquinone skeleton participates in cellular redox cycles. Researchers utilize Emodin to modulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways, evaluating cell survival boundaries under induced oxidative duress.
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Inflammatory Cascade Signaling: Investigating downstream changes in cellular transcription factors and cytokine networks. Emodin is frequently studied for its role in blocking specific nuclear translocation mechanisms and modulating cellular inflammation markers.
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Kinase & Phosphatase Modulation: Deploying the compound in cell-free screening models to measure competitive or allosteric enzyme inhibition, specifically charting its influence on tyrosine kinases and protective phosphatase systems.
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Mitochondrial Respiration Modeling: Evaluating the molecule’s interaction with the inner mitochondrial membrane to observe shifts in proton gradient management, mitochondrial membrane potential, and overall ATP synthesis efficiencies.
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Comparative Anthraquinone Analysis: Serving as an organic structural benchmark alongside related compounds (such as aloin, rhein, or chrysophanol) to construct comprehensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) models.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Store at controlled room temperature. Keep tightly closed.
Storage guidance is a house recommendation. Analytical documentation is per-lot release testing.
Related Research Compounds
Research Use Only Disclaimer: This product is engineered, isolated, and distributed strictly as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reference chemical intended exclusively for non-clinical analytical and scientific investigation. It is not a dietary supplement, drug formulation, cosmetic base, or food additive, and is strictly prohibited for human or veterinary consumption. Kimera Chems supplies these premium chemical reference materials solely to accredited academic institutions, professional research centers, and qualified investigators.
