Effects of Anthraquinones on Immune Responses and Inflammatory Diseases

The anthraquinones (AQs) and derivatives are widely distributed in nature, including plants, fungi, and insects, with effects of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, antibacterial and antiviral, anti-osteoporosis, anti-tumor, etc. Inflammation, including acute and chronic, is a comprehensive response to foreign pathogens under a variety of physiological and pathological processes. AQs could attenuate symptoms and tissue damages through anti-inflammatory or immuno-modulatory effects. The review aims to provide a scientific summary of AQs on immune responses under different pathological conditions, such as digestive diseases, respiratory diseases, central nervous system diseases, etc. It is hoped that the present paper will provide ideas for future studies of the immuno-regulatory effect of AQs and the therapeutic potential for drug development and clinical use of AQs and derivatives.

Automated summary

Anthraquinones and their derivatives are widely distributed in nature and have various effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Inflammation is a comprehensive response to foreign pathogens, and anthraquinones can attenuate symptoms and tissue damages by reducing inflammation. This review provides a scientific summary of the immune responses to anthraquinones under different pathological conditions, as well as their potential for drug development and clinical use.