Anthraquinone Glycosides

Introduction to Anthraquinones

Historically: Rhubarb, Senna, Aloes and

Cascara were all used as purgative drugs.

Monocotyledons: Only Liliaceae.

Most commonly C-glycoside: barbaloin.

Dicotyledons: Rubiaceae, Leguminosae,

Polygonaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lythraceae, and

Verbenacacea. Also in certain fungi and lichen.

Reduced derivatives of anthraquinones

Oxanthrones, anthranols and anthrones

Compounds formed by the union of 2

anthrone molecules

Dianthrones

Aglycones:

Chrysophanol/Chrysophanic acid Rhubarb

and Senna.

Rhein Rhubarb and Senna

Aloe-emodin Rhubarb and Senna

Emodin Rhubarb and Cascara

Senna - Leguminosae

Definition: Consists

of the dried leaflets of

Cassia senna

(Alexandrian senna),

or Cassia angustifolia

(Tinnevelly senna).

Cassia spp - Senna

Indigenous to Africa

(tropical regions)

Used since 9th – 10th

century

Introduced into

medicine by Arab

physicians (used both

the leaves and pods)

Exported by

Alexandria – name of

the Sudanese drug.

Senna - Constituents

2 active glycosides: Sennoside A

Sennoside B

Sennoside C & Sennoside D

Rhein

Aloe-emodin

Senna - Constituents

Kaempferol (yellow

flavanol)

+ glucoside

(kaempferin)

Mucilage

Calcium oxalates

Resin

Senna Fruit

Definition: Senna pods are the dried, ripe fruits of Cassia senna and Cassia angustifolia, which are commercially known as Alexandrian and Tinnevelly senna pods respectively.

Senna - Uses

Laxatives (habitual constipation or

occasional use).

Senna - Additional

Medicinal Actions

Vermifuge, febrifuge

NOTE: Senna may cause urine to become reddish – no clinical significance.

Should not be used with cardiac glycosides.

Note: Over-use causes dependency.

Overdose: nausea, bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and nephritis.