Emodin: Its role in prostate cancer‑associated inflammation (Review)

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in males. Cancer‑related inflammatory factors include tumor necrosis factor, inflammasomes, cytokines, chemokines, transcription factors, infiltrating or circulating immune cells, reactive oxygen species, and sex hormone receptors. These are mainly associated with the local immune response at the tumor site. Emodin, a chemical compound that can be isolated from the plant rhubarb among others, has been shown to exhibit anti‑inflammatory and anticancer properties in prostate cancer. This review summarizes the effects of emodin on prostate cancer and analyzes whether it interferes with prostate cancer through anti‑inflammatory pathways. New information regarding the development of emodin derivatives including their increased solubility and reduced side effects through chemical structure modifications is also reviewed.