Research Progress on the Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Emodin on Pancreatic Inflammation and Tumors
CHEN Xin1, DUAN Lifang1, ZHANG Hong2*
Pancreatic diseases, including acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer, are closely associated with persistent inflammation, fibrotic remodeling, and abnormal cell proliferation. Emodin, a natural anthraquinone compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of various pancreatic disorders. Recent studies have shown that emodin exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, and anti-tumor effects through the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, Nrf2, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. These actions contribute to the alleviation of acinar cell injury, attenuation of inflammatory responses, inhibition of pancreatic fibrosis, induction of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, suppression of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and enhancement of chemosensitivity. This review systematically summarizes the current research progress and pharmacological mechanisms of emodin in pancreatic diseases, discusses the existing limitations, and explores future perspectives, aiming to provide a scientific basis and novel insights for clinical intervention in pancreatic diseases.
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