Rhein CAS 478-43-3

 Chrysophanol (CAS 478-43-3) is a natural anthraquinone compound extracted from plants such as rhubarb. Its chemical name is 1,8-dihydroxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone, with the molecular formula of C₁₅H₈O₆ and a molecular weight of 284.22. 

Basic physical and chemical properties

• Appearance: Brown needle-like crystals, which turn into yellow needle-like crystals upon sublimation. 

Melting point: 321–322 °C. 

Boiling point: Approximately 597.8 °C (760 mmHg). 

• Density: Approximately 1.687 g/cm³. 

• Solubility: Almost insoluble in water; soluble in alkaline solutions, pyridine; slightly soluble in ethanol, benzene, chloroform, ether, petroleum ether. 

Main pharmacological activities and uses

1. Antitumor activity: It has inhibitory effects on melanoma in mice, Acanthamoeba cell culture, liver cancer, breast cancer, P388 leukemia cells, etc.

2. Antibacterial activity: It has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, dysentery bacillus, etc.

3. Anti-inflammatory effect: Its derivative, 1,8-diacetylflavonol (1,8-dihydroxyflavone), has been used for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

4. Treatment of diabetic nephropathy: It can exert its effects by improving abnormal sugar metabolism and reversing insulin resistance.

5. Other activities: It has immunosuppressive, diuretic, purgative, etc. activities.

6. Applications: It is used as a protease inhibitor, a pharmaceutical raw material (such as for synthesizing 1,8-diacetylflavonol), and a raw material for health supplements, etc. 

Safety Information

• Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ in mice > 5 mg/kg; Intravenous LD₅₀ in mice > 25 mg/kg. 

• Safety terms: S26 (Immediately rinse eyes upon contact), S37/39 (Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection). 

• Risk term: R36/37/38 (causes irritation to eyes, skin and respiratory tract). 

• Storage: Seal it and store it in a cool, dry place. 

Source and Preparation

The main source is extracted from the rhizomes of plants in the Polygonaceae family such as Rheum palmatum L., and it can also be obtained through chemical synthesis.