Biochem/physiol Actions
Laxative/cathartic compound; increases the contraction of intestinal smooth muscle by releasing endogenous acetylcholine. Anti-tumor activity is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that, in turn, reduces the mitochondrial transmembrane electrical potential, thus inducing a permeability transition that sets in motion a series of events culminating in cellular apoptosis. Genotoxicity and mutagenicity appear to be due to the inhibition of topoisomerase II activity by aloe emodin. |