Background: Emodin (3-methyl-1, 6, 8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a compound which can be found in Polygoni
Multiflori Radix (PMR). PMR is the root of
Polygonum multiflorum
. PMR is used to treat dizziness, spermatorrhea,
sores, and scrofula as well as chronic malaria traditionally in China and Korea. The anti-tumor property of emodin was
already reported. However, anti-viral activity of emodin on macrophages are not fully reported.
Materials and Methods: Effects of emodin on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic
acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA, were evaluated.
Results: Emodin restored the cell viability in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 50 μM. Emodin
significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1α,
MIP-1β, MIP-2, RANTES, and IP-10 as well as calcium release and mRNA expression of signal transducer and
activated transcription 1 (STAT1) in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 (
P < 0.05).
Conclusion: This study shows the inhibitory effect of emodin on poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 via calcium-STAT
pathway.
