Cytotoxicity and antimicrobial studies of 1,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyl- anthraquinone (emodin) isolated from the leaves of Cassia nigricans Vahl

Emodin was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of Cassia nigricans Vahl. The structure of the emodin was established by chemical spectroscopy. The LC50 (lower - upper limits) of the emodin was 42.77 (11.80 - 72.94) μg/ml. Emodin was found to be highly cytotoxic. It showed significant antimicrobial activity on some common pathogens. The isolation of this active principle emodin, from the leaves of Cassia nigricans for the first time and the antimicrobial activity of the compound are reported in the present study. The isolation of the active principle justifies the use of the leaves of C. nigricans in herbal medicine for the treatment of skin diseases and gastro-intestinal disorders. © 2007 Academic Journals.