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    Botanical ExtractsNatural

    Emodin

    Also known as: Rheum officinale extract, Emodin, 6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone

    Hydroxyanthraquinone modulating multiple inflammatory and metabolic pathways including 11β-HSD1 inhibition (cortisol modulation) and AMPK activation.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    38/100
    Metabolic healthAnti-inflammatoryLipid management
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Emodin is an anthraquinone from rhubarb and other plants with preclinical evidence for metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects; restricted in some markets due to laxative effects.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Inhibits 11β-HSD1 (reducing local cortisol activation), activates AMPK, modulates inflammatory cytokines, and acts as mild laxative at higher doses.

    Physiological Role

    Used experimentally in metabolic and body composition stacks; UK MHRA restricts laxative anthraquinone use; safety profile cautious.

    Primary Pathways

    11β-HSD1 inhibitionAMPK activationNF-κB modulationStimulant laxative effect

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Mostly preclinical; limited high-quality human RCTs; some safety concerns at high doses.

    Evidence Review

    Overall38/100
    Human Clinical25/100
    Meta-Analysis15/100
    Mechanistic78/100
    Real-World40/100
    Safety55/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    50 mg
    Optimal Range
    50–100 mg/day
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~200 mg/day short-term
    Timing
    With food
    Best Format
    Capsule
    Bioavailability
    Variable.
    Absorption Considerations
    Standard polyphenol absorption with extensive hepatic metabolism.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Laxative effects
    • •Mild liver enzyme changes
    • •GI cramping

    Contraindications

    • Pregnancy
    • Inflammatory bowel disease
    • Liver disease

    Drug Interactions

    • •CYP3A4 substrates
    • •Anticoagulants
    • •Diuretics

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy
    • •Children
    • •Chronic kidney/liver disease

    Monitoring

    Liver enzymes with chronic use.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Emodin typically used or indicated?

    Emodin is most commonly used for: Metabolic health, Anti-inflammatory, Lipid management. Used experimentally in metabolic and body composition stacks; UK MHRA restricts laxative anthraquinone use; safety profile cautious.

    How does Emodin work?

    Inhibits 11β-HSD1 (reducing local cortisol activation), activates AMPK, modulates inflammatory cytokines, and acts as mild laxative at higher doses.

    What is the recommended dose of Emodin?

    The optimal range is 50–100 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 50 mg. Best taken: With food. Upper / caution level: ~200 mg/day short-term.

    What are the side effects of Emodin?

    Reported side effects include: Laxative effects; Mild liver enzyme changes; and GI cramping. Monitoring: Liver enzymes with chronic use.

    Does Emodin interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: CYP3A4 substrates; Anticoagulants; and Diuretics. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Emodin?

    Emodin is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy; Children; Chronic kidney/liver disease; Pregnancy; Inflammatory bowel disease; and Liver disease.

    How strong is the evidence for Emodin?

    Evidence level: Limited (overall score 38/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Emodin pharmacology and metabolic effects: review

    Systematic Review2017Low
    PubMed

    Robust preclinical effects on metabolism and inflammation; human data sparse.

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    Research Overview

    Limited Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2017Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceMixed
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/emodin

    SuppIndex. (2026). Emodin: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/emodin

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.

    Goal Ratings

    Metabolic Health
    General Health

    Stack Compatibility

    Use sparingly; not for long-term daily use. Pair with milk thistle for hepatic support if used.

    BerberineSilymarin Milk Thistle