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The synergism mechanism of Rhubarb Anthraquinones on constipation elucidated by comparative pharmacokinetics of Rhubarb extract between normal and diseased rats

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Abstract

In the study, it was hypothesized that Rhubarb Anthraquinones synergistically enhanced the purgative effect on constipation rat from the direct and indirect pathway at the same time. A validated HPLC method was successfully applied to elucidate the synergism mechanism from pharmacokinetics aspect after oral administration of Rhubarb extract with a dose of 0.25 g to normal and constipation rats. Comparison of the pharmacokinetic data of normal and constipation rats showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the main pharmacokinetic parameters. The C max and AUC of emodin in constipation rats were about ten times that of normal rats, while the t 1/2 was remarkably decreased (p < 0.05). However, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in AUC value for aloe-emodin and rhein was observed in model group compared with normal group. The results may be attributed to the direct action of aloe-emodin and rhein on intestinal cell membranes and the indirect action of emodin on bowel movement through the adjustment by nervous system.

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Acknowledgments

The study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No: 81373943); the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program No: 2011BAI13B05, 2012CB723502), Sichuan Youth Science and Technology Fundation (2013JQ0018) and Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Department of Youth Science and Technology Innovation Research Team Program-Sichuan Province Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Innovation Youth Team(2014TD0007).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, People’s Republic of China

    Xiao-hong Gong, Yan Li, Ruo-qi Zhang, Xiao-fang Xie, Cheng Peng & Yun-xia Li

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  1. Xiao-hong Gong
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  2. Yan Li
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  3. Ruo-qi Zhang
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  4. Xiao-fang Xie
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  5. Cheng Peng
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Correspondence to Cheng Peng or Yun-xia Li.

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Gong, Xh., Li, Y., Zhang, Rq. et al. The synergism mechanism of Rhubarb Anthraquinones on constipation elucidated by comparative pharmacokinetics of Rhubarb extract between normal and diseased rats. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 40, 379–388 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13318-014-0216-7

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