Emodin: A metabolite that exhibits anti-neoplastic activities by modulating multiple oncogenic targets

Abstract

Oncogenic transformation has been the major cause of global mortality since decades. Despite established therapeutic regimes, majority of cancer patients either present with tumor relapse, refractory disease or therapeutic resistance. Numerous drug candidates are being explored to tap the key reason being poor tumor remission rates, from novel chemotherapy agents to immunotherapy to exploring natural compound derivatives with effective anti-cancer potential. One of these natural product metabolites, emodin has present with significant potential to target tumor oncogenic processes: induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis to chemoresistance in malignant cells. Based on the present scientific excerpts on safety and effectiveness of emodin in targeting hallmarks of tumor progression, emodin is being promisingly explored using nanotechnology platforms for long-term sustained treatment and management of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the up-to-date scientific literature supporting the anti-neoplastic potential of emodin. We also provide an insight into toxicity and safety profile of emodin and how emodin has emerged as an effective therapeutic alternative in synergism with established conventional chemotherapeutic regimes for management and treatment of tumor progression.