Description
Physcion is an anthraquinone originally found in several plant sources, including Microsporum, Psorospermum, Rhamnus, and Rheum. Physcion exhibits anticancer, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In cervical carcinoma cells, physcion induces apoptosis by downregulating expression of Bcl-2 and upregulating expression of Bax and activation of caspase 3. Physcion also exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia, as well as antifungal activity against Candida and Aspergillus. In animal models, physcion inhibits iNOS expression and decreases edema volume.