Rheinanthrone API Manufacturers & Suppliers
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Rheinanthrone | CAS No: 480-09-1 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that facilitates bowel movements by stimulating intestinal peristalsis and increasing fecal water content, primarily investigated for gastrointestinal tract effects.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- No approved indication
Product Snapshot
- Rheinanthrone is an experimental compound without a defined formulation type for commercial use
- It currently has no approved therapeutic indications
- The compound is in the experimental stage and lacks marketing authorization from regulatory agencies such as the FDA or EMA
Clinical Overview
Although it currently holds no approved clinical indications, rheinanthrone has been investigated for its effects on the gastrointestinal tract, notably in facilitating bowel movements. Its pharmacological action involves stimulation of intestinal peristalsis and an increase in fecal water content, promoting transit through the large intestine.
Mechanistically, rheinanthrone induces macrophage expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), leading to an enhanced production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This elevation in PGE2 correlates with a decrease in aquaporin 3 expression within the colonic epithelium. Aquaporin 3 modulates water reabsorption in the large intestine, and its downregulation likely reduces water reabsorption, thereby contributing to the laxative effect. Additionally, rheinanthrone’s stimulation of peristalsis appears contingent on direct interaction with the mucosal epithelium.
Pharmacokinetic data for rheinanthrone are limited, given its experimental status and role as a metabolite rather than a primary drug substance. Safety and toxicity profiles remain incompletely characterized; however, as an anthracene derivative, potential irritant effects on the intestinal mucosa and concerns regarding long-term use are considerations for further evaluation.
In pharmaceutical development contexts, sourcing of rheinanthrone API requires attention to purity, consistent manufacture, and verification of plant origin and extraction methods. Characterization of the compound must ensure compliance with specifications for potential use in formulation development or further pharmacological research.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Rheinanthrone |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 480-09-1 |
| UNII | 0YQK3WBH32 |
| DrugBank ID | DB13175 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Rheinanthrone acts primarily by increasing macrophage expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), leading to elevated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. This results in decreased aquaporin 3 expression, reducing water reabsorption in the large intestine. Additionally, rheinanthrone stimulates peristalsis through interaction with the mucosal epithelium, collectively enhancing fecal transit and water content. |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Rheinanthrone appears to increase macrophage expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) which increases production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) . This increase in PGE2 is associated with a subsequent decrease in aquaporin 3 expression. The decreased expression of aquaporin 3 likely restricts reabsorption of water in the large intestine resulting in the laxative effect of rheinanthrone. Rheinanthrone also appears to stimulate peristalsis in the large intestine dependent on contact with the mucosal epithelium . |
| Pharmacodynamics | Rheinanthrone stimulates peristalsis and increases fecal water content to increase the movement of feces through the large intestine . |
ADME / PK
| Absorption | About 10% of rheinanthrone is absorbed from the gut . |
|---|---|
| Metabolism | Once in systemic circulation about 2.6% of rheinanthrone is metabolized to rhein [DB13174] as well as sennidins A and B via oxidation . |
| Route of elimination | 2.8% of rheinanthrone is excreted in urine and 95% is excreted in feces . |
Formulation & handling
- Rheinanthrone is a small molecule with low aqueous solubility, indicating potential formulation challenges for oral or parenteral delivery. Stability under storage conditions should be assessed due to its anthracene-based structure. Handling precautions may be required to prevent exposure to light or oxygen, which can affect compound integrity.
Regulatory status
Rheinanthrone is a type of Antimetabolites
Antimetabolites are a prominent category of pharmaceutical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) utilized in the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer. These compounds are structurally similar to naturally occurring metabolites essential for cellular processes such as DNA and RNA synthesis. By mimicking these metabolites, antimetabolites interfere with the normal functioning of cellular pathways, leading to inhibition of cancer cell growth and proliferation.
One of the widely used antimetabolites is methotrexate, a folic acid antagonist that inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, disrupting the production of DNA and RNA. This disruption impedes the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells. Another common antimetabolite is 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which inhibits the enzyme thymidylate synthase, thereby interfering with DNA synthesis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.
Antimetabolites can be classified into several subcategories based on their mechanism of action and chemical structure. These include purine and pyrimidine analogs, folic acid antagonists, and pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors. Examples of antimetabolites in these subcategories include azathioprine, cytarabine, and gemcitabine.
Despite their effectiveness, antimetabolites can exhibit certain side effects due to their interference with normal cellular processes. These side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbances, myelosuppression (reduced production of blood cells), and hepatotoxicity.
In conclusion, antimetabolites are a vital category of pharmaceutical APIs used in the treatment of various diseases, especially cancer. By mimicking natural metabolites and disrupting crucial cellular processes, these compounds effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation. However, their usage should be carefully monitored due to potential side effects.
