Other names : anthracenedione, dioxoanthracene<br>A naturally occurring aromatic organic compound which can be found in some plants, fungi and insect, anthraquinone contributes to the colouring pigment of these organisms and is therefore used commercially for the manufacture of dyes. Aside from manufacturing dyes, anthraquinone is also used in the medicine industry.
==Special Precautions of Anthraquinone==
The fact that some anthraquinones have been shown to prevent or even treat cancer is not the only connection between these compounds and cancerous cells. *Some other studies have shown that certain some anthraquinone forms might may have a carcinogenic effect on the body. This may be more likely in , although it is those anthraquinones that have been produced synthetically, such as and are not extracted from those found in certain dyes and other commercial productsnaturally occurring ones. These are typically different in molecular makeup than ones found naturally in certain plant species. *Despite its medical advantages, patients should never try using anthraquinone without consulting a doctor first as it could have side effects.
==Benefits and uses of Anthraquinone are==
* Laxative : It has been shown effective at speeding up bowel movements in those with constipation. Many times it is not recommended, however, because it can lead to side effects. One troubling issue is a discoloration of the intestines. This is not dangerous, but it can be upsetting for some patients, and confusing for doctors.
* Arthritis : Usually, this treatment isn't performed using the herb alone, but in the form of aloe vera supplements. Certain forms of anthraquinone are found naturally in aloe, and it is suspected that it, in combination with other compounds, could help reduce inflammation and pain associated with some types of arthritis.
* Cancer is another ailment which may be fought with certain plants containing forms of anthraquinone. One common example is rhubarb, as this is one of the most widely tested in terms of effectiveness. There are three separate anthraquinones found in rhubarb which could help kill cancer cells and prevent the growth of new ones. More studies are needed to determine how effective this treatment could be, but those done so far have been promising.
== References Food Sources==While [[Common Madder]] (Rubia tinctorum) and cochineal, which is obtained from insects, are the significant dyes possessing anthraquinone, the compound's laxatives include [[Senna]] pods (Cassia angustifolia or C. acutifolia), [[Cascara]] sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana), [[Alder Buckthorn]] (Rhamnus frangula), [[Rhubarb]] root (Rheum palmatum), [[Yellow Dock]] (Rumex crispus) and aloes ([[Aloe Vera]]). Although many different varieties of anthraquinone by-products are present in the plant kingdom, all of them possess the same molecular structure.
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]
[[Category:Laxative]]