Anthraquinones

Anthracene (three benzene rings joined together) at each apex of the central ring is a carbonyl group (carbone double bonded oxygen) which is the quinone part.

Senna

 Usual occur as glycosides

sennosides; O-glycosides aloins; C-glycosides Cascara Bark cascarosides; C,O-glycosides in dried herb always present as anthraquinones, because anthrones are unstable in free state.

 Used as laxatives go to large bowel, where bacterial action formes anthrone aglycones, which are the true active forms. Laxative effect is local, systemic absorption is limited;
modification of intestinal motility accumulation of fluid in the intestinal lumen.

Rheum palmatum

 Leading to peristaltic movements, partly due to release of prostaglandin. Accumulation of fluid in colonic lumen also has the laxative effect.
Anthrones; stimulate active chloride secretion into the lumen, balanced by an increase in sodium and water flow, the prostaglandins and the alteration of calcium transport may play a role here to

 In lower laxative dosies that produce normal motion, the effects on motility are apparent in high doses electroyle secretion and diarrhoea will predomeinate habituation and adverse effect due to electrolyte loss associated with the use of high doses. Chronic laxative abuse lead to raised aldosterone levels due the electrolye sloss, which diminishes there effectiveness., higher doses empty a larger portion of the colon, leading to natural absence of defeacation of the nest day, leading to reuse and high dose.

Aloe vera

 Hypericin, pseudohypericin; dianthrones (structurally related to antrhquinones) and other anthraquinones such as rhein, emodin.
antiviral activity

Rubia tinctorum
Anthraquinone glycosides lucidin and alizarin
used as dye used for prevention and treatment of kidney stones; works as chelating agent with calcium, leading to significant reduction in the growth rate of kidney stones in animal models. Will colour urine pink, indicating that significant quantities of the anthraquinones are excreted in the urine, possibly dissolving stones.

Toxicology
Rubia tinctorum; withdrawn due to concerns over mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, however longterm feeding to mice failed to lead to neoplastic lesions. Laxatives; mild abdominal pain, cramps discoloration of urine, haemorrhoid congestion overdose; diarrhoea, excessive loss of electrolytes, esp. potassium.

Rubia tinctorum

 Abuse; habituation, however can restore normal function. Long term use can lead to melanosis, brown discoloration in colon, harmless, reversible. Contra Indications;
ileus pregnancy, lactation (however systemic absorption is unlikely), and several studies indicate no risk to foetus or pregnancy, or leading to affect infant via breast milk.

 Possible long term abuse not conclusive on colorectal cancer. Do not use long term.