Title:Unveiling Anthraquinones: Diverse Health Benefits of an Essential Secondary Metabolite
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Mushfa Khatoon, Amita Dubey*Km Janhvi
Affiliation:
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
Keywords:
Anthraquinones, laxative, secondary metabolite, anthraquinone derivatives, medicinal properties, alkaloids.
Abstract: Since ancient times, plants have been used as a remedy for numerous diseases.
The pharmacological properties of plants are due to the presence of secondary metabolites
like terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. Anthraquinones represent a group of naturally
occurring quinones found generously across various plant species. Anthraquinones
attract a significant amount of attention due to their reported efficacy in treating a wide
range of diseases. Their complex chemical structures, combined with inherent medicinal
properties, underscore their potential as agents for therapy. They demonstrate several
therapeutic properties such as laxative, antitumor, antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal,
antioxidant, etc. Anthraquinones are found in different forms (derivatives) in plants, and
they exhibit various medicinal properties due to their structure and chemical nature. The
precursors for the biosynthesis of anthraquinones in higher plants are provided by different
pathways such as plastidic hemiterpenoid 2-C-methyl-D-erthriol4-phosphate (MEP),
mevalonate (MVA), isochorismate synthase and polyketide. Anthraquinones possess several
medicinal properties and a complex biosynthetic pathway, making them good candidates
for patenting new products, synthesis methods, and biotechnological production
advancements. By conducting a thorough analysis of scientific literature, this review provides
insights into the intricate interplay between anthraquinone biosynthesis and its
broad-ranging contributions to human health.
