Antiulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of emodin, isolated from Rhamnus triquerta wall.

Emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, isolated from the whole plant of R. triquerta, in 15 mg/kg dose (ip) exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenin-induced pedal inflammation in rats. In the same dosage it also showed antiulcer activity against 4 hr pylorus-ligated, aspirin and immobilization stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats. It decreased acid and pepsin output and augmented mucus secretion in terms of total carbohydrate: protein ratio in the gastric juice of aspirin treated pylorus-ligated rats, indicating that the antiulcerogenic effect of emodin may be due to its effect on gastric secretion.