Comprehensive insights into emodin compounds research in medicinal chemistry

Emodin compounds containing three aromatic ring systems are easily to act with target sites in organisms, and thus exert numerous biological activities. Now, emodin and its derivatives have played an important role in medicinal chemistry. This work systematically reviewed the researches and developments of the whole range of emodin compounds as medicinal drugs for the reported literatures in nearly fifteen years, including anticancer, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic as well as other activities. Some comments on structure-activity relationships were also referred. It is desired that this review will serve as a stimulant in the quest for rational designs of more active and less toxic emodin medicinal drugs.