Anthraquinones in Plants

This book offers, in one volume, the most relevant and up to date data on anthraquinones in plants. Moreover it displays a remarkable and deep synthesis of the wealth of bibliographic information available.

Preface * Introduction * Abbreviations * BOTANICAL ASPECTS * Senna/Cassia * Rheum * Rhamnu * Aloe * CHEMISTRY OF 9,10-ANTHRAQUINONES * Biosynthesis * Oxidation-Reduction and Reactivity * Photochemistry * Phenolic Characteristic * Analysis * Antioxidant and Prooxidant Activities * PHARMACOKINETICS * Conversion by Intestinal Bacteria * Systemic Absorption, Conversion and Elimination * Food Matrix Influences * PHARMACODYNAMICS AND SAFETY ASPECTS * Introduction * Types of laxatives and mode of action * Pharmacodynamics of anthranoids * Toxicity studies * Interactions * CLINICAL ASPECTS * Recommended dose * Use of anthranoid-containing plants in constipation * Use of anthranoid-containing plants in irritable bowel syndrome * Use of anthranoid-containing plants for bowel cleansing * Use of anthranoids in paediatrics * The use of anthranoids during pregnancy and lactation * Considerations about cancerogenic risks of anthranoids * Clinical safety of anthranoid-containing plant species * Discussion * Index