Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism, Disease Treatment, and Application Prospects of Aloe-Emodin

Inflammation represents a common pathological foundation for numerous diseases. However, current anti-inflammatory agents, including antibiotics, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, and biologics, are frequently associated with significant limitations such as drug resistance, adverse effects, and high costs. Natural products have emerged as promising alternatives. Aloe-emodin, an anthraquinone compound, has attracted increasing attention due to its notable anti-inflammatory potential. This review systematically consolidates current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of aloeemodin, along with its therapeutic applications, pharmacokinetic profile, and safety considerations. Key findings indicate that aloe-emodin acts through multiple targets, primarily by inhibiting core inflammatory pathways, including nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt). Additionally, it modulates oxidative stress, regulates immune cell function, and influences the expression of cell adhesion molecules. Preclinical evidence supports its efficacy against infectious and non-infectious origins. But the main obstacle to the clinical application of aloe-emodin is its low oral bioavailability and the highly variable metabolic processes in the body, which are regulated by various factors. Although its dosedependent hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and phototoxicity have been reported, comprehensive safety testing under long-term, repeated-use conditions is still lacking. The latest progress in structural optimization and the development of new drug delivery systems offer promising methods to overcome these problems. Therefore, aloe-emodin is a potent natural anti-inflammatory agent. To promote the development of its therapeutic application, future work should focus on conducting high-quality clinical studies and combining computational predictions with in-depth mechanism verification to systematically elucidate its complex action network.