| Abstract: | Rhein (4,5-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid) is an anthraquinone compound enriched in the rhizome of rhubarb (Rheum palmatum or Rheum tanguticum Maxim), a traditional Chinese medicine herb. Natural product compounds are a source of novel therapeutic agents. Rhein has been initially identified as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent. Recent studies indicate that rhein may also have an antitumor effect. However, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This review aims to summarize the research of rhein to better understand the anti-tumor activities by targeting cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. Meanwhile, we also intend to give an overview of the mechanisms identified so far. The breakthrough findings may shed light on using rhein as a targeted-cancer therapy. |
