RESUMEN
Objective: Polygoni Multiflori Radix is the drought root of a perennial vine, Polygonum multiflorum, which is belong to Polygonaceae. According to Chinese Pharmacopeia (edition 2015), its preparations are divided into two types based on the processing:crude Polygoni Multiflori Radix, and processed Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praparata. This study aimed to explore the substantial bases, effect and the mechanisms of anthraquinones in Polygoni Multiflori Radix. Method: Based on the literatures retrieved in PubMed, CNKI and Chongqing VIP in past 15 years, the chemical composition, pharmacological effects and mechanisms of anthraquinones in Polygoni Multiflori were reviewed and summarized. Result: There were 20 anthraquinones in Polygoni Multiflori. Compared with other Polygonaceae plants, there were higher contents of emodin and physcion, both were qualification markers in Polygoni Multiflori. In terms of the anti-cancer effect, emodin, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucoside and rhein induced cancer cell apoptosis. Emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion and rhein inhibited cancer cell cycles. Emodin, aloe-emodin, physcion and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside blocked migration, invasion and metastasis. And emodin, chrysophanol and rhein blocked energy metabolism, and emodin reversed multidrug resistance in cancer. Conclusion: Polygoni Multiflori may play a potential anti-cancer value, and its underlying mechanisms and the interaction between components are worth of further studies.