Purpurin: A natural anthraquinone with multifaceted pharmacological activities

Abstract

Purpurin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone isolated from the roots of Rubia cordifolia. Historically, it has been used as a red dye. However, its photosensitizing property and biological effects have deciphered its novel application. Purpurin shows antigenotoxic, anticancer, neuromodulatory, and antimicrobial potential associated with antioxidant action in in vivo and in vitro experiments. A robust antioxidant nature of purpurin is responsible for the majority of its pharmacological effects. It produces anti-inflammatory activity by reducing oxidative stress, which is a fundamental property to target diseases involving endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and produce neuroprotective effects, including antidepressant and anti-Alzheimer action. It shows antimutagenic property via inhibiting essential CYP-450 enzymes. Interestingly, it gets photosensitized by UVlight and produces target-specific ROS-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. Therefore, it owns cell killing and cell survival potential subject to the influence of external conditions. Hitherto, limited research studies are performed with purpurin to understand its therapeutic potential. Hence, this review describes and discusses different in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies performed using purpurin. It also covers physicochemical, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology aspects of purpurin. Moreover, in the end, the prospect of purpurin in the management of cancer has also been proposed.

POSSIBLE CARDIOPROTECTIVE MECHANISM OF ACTION OF DEXRAZOXANE, AND PROBABLE HUMAN TOPOISOMERASE IIβ INHIBITORS: AN IN SILICO ANALYSIS

“…At the same time, there is no report related to purpurin toxicity. On the contrary, in vitro, and in vivo studies have been reported that it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects [39]. 9-aminoacridine and hexylresorcinol, which have less binding affinity for topo IIβ than the other compounds, are also likely to cause toxicity (skin sensitization, Table 3).…”

Purpurin suppresses atopic dermatitis via TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced inflammation in HaCaT cells

“…Rubia cordifolia mainly includes purpurin glycosides, while Rubia tinctorum L. mainly contains alizarin glycosides. 16 Although not eaten for nutrition, the radiant roots are used as food coloring and have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. 17 Purpurin appears to exhibit antiangiogenic activity, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, and antibacterial activity.…”

Phytochemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Properties of Rubia cordifolia L. Extracts Prepared with Improved Extraction Conditions

“…Mollugin (derivative of anthraquinone) inhibits pro-inflammatory chemocytokine production [12]. Purpurin is another anthraquinone that gives R. cordifolia L antioxidant properties [13]. Alizarin, 6-hydroxyrubiadin, purpurin and rubiadin are expected to be key constituents responsible for analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties [14].…”