Rhein (Synonyms: Rheic Acid; Rhubarb yellow; Monorhein)

Name: Rhein
Brand: MedChemExpress
SKU: HY-N0105
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)

Cat. No.: HY-N0105 Purity: 99.56%: Data Sheet
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Rhein is an anthraquinone compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects^{[1]^.}

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

CAS No. : 478-43-3

Size	Stock	Quantity
100 mg	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
500 mg	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
1 g	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
5 g	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
10 g	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
50 g	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
100 g	In-stock	Estimated Time of Arrival: December 31
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Based on 17 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of Rhein:

Rhein (Standard) In-stock

17 Publications Citing Use of MCE Rhein

Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay

RT-PCR

Histological Imaging/Staining

: Rhein purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Inflamm Res. 2025 Jan 30:18:1395-1412. [Abstract]; Toxicity of different doses of Rhein (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 μM) on R-PMVEC was detected by CCK8.

: Rhein purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Inflamm Res. 2025 Jan 30:18:1395-1412. [Abstract]; MARK4 mRNA relative expression in R-PMVEC treated with different doses of Rhein (5, 20, 40 μM) was performed by Real-Time quantitative PCR.

: Rhein purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Inflamm Res. 2025 Jan 30:18:1395-1412. [Abstract]; Protein expression levels of MARK4 and p-MAP4 (S1073) in R-PMVEC treated with different doses of Rhein (5, 20, 40 μM) were performed by Western blot.

: Rhein purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Inflamm Res. 2025 Jan 30:18:1395-1412. [Abstract]; Rhein (200, 250 mg/kg, i.g.) induced kidney histopathology sections showed edema, necrosis, and immune cell infiltration.

: Rhein purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Inflamm Res. 2025 Jan 30:18:1395-1412. [Abstract]; Immunofluorescence staining showed that apparent MT damage happened in the lungs of SAP group rats. After administration of the MARK4 inhibitor or Rhein (150 mg/kg, i.g.), the MT damage was significantly alleviated.

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Biological Activity
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Description

Rhein is an anthraquinone compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects^{[1]^.}

Cellular Effect

Cell Line	Type	Value	Description	References
A549	IC₅₀	0.08 mM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human A549 cells Antiproliferative activity against human A549 cells	10.1039/C6MD00252H
A549	IC₅₀	120.4 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity in human A549 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity in human A549 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
A549	IC₅₀	138 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human A549 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human A549 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 32739648]
A549	IC₅₀	265.59 μM Compound: Rhein	Anticancer activity against human A549 cells incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Anticancer activity against human A549 cells incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38516604]
A549	IC₅₀	77.11 μg/mL Compound: A	Antiproliferative activity against human A549 cells measured after 48 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human A549 cells measured after 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 35963130]
A549	IC₅₀	95.8 μM Compound: Rhein	Antitumor activity against human A549 cells after 3 days by SRB assay Antitumor activity against human A549 cells after 3 days by SRB assay	[PMID: 25050882]
Bel-7402	IC₅₀	0.11 mM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human Bel7402 cells after 24 to 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human Bel7402 cells after 24 to 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
Bel-7402	IC₅₀	120.27 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity in human Bel7402 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity in human Bel7402 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
Bel-7402	IC₅₀	136.19 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity in 5-FU resistant human Bel7402 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity in 5-FU resistant human Bel7402 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
CNE	IC₅₀	81.7 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human CNE cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human CNE cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 32739648]
CNE	IC₅₀	> 100 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human CNE cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human CNE cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 24378217]
COLO 320DM	IC₅₀	62.5 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human COLO320DM cells Cytotoxicity against human COLO320DM cells	[PMID: 24378217]
HCT-116	IC₅₀	115.7 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity in human HCT116 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity in human HCT116 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
HCT-116	IC₅₀	13 μM Compound: 5	Cytotoxicity against MDR1 Pgp under-expressing human HCT116 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against MDR1 Pgp under-expressing human HCT116 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 17949858]
HCT-116	IC₅₀	135 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human HCT116 cells Cytotoxicity against human HCT116 cells	[PMID: 24378217]
HCT-116	IC₅₀	> 100 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human HCT116 cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HCT116 cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 24378217]
HL-60	IC₅₀	0.1 mM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human HL60 cells Antiproliferative activity against human HL60 cells	10.1039/C6MD00252H
HUVEC	IC₅₀	89.74 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human HUVEC after 48 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HUVEC after 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 24378217]
HeLa	IC₅₀	92.2 μM Compound: Rhein	Antitumor activity against human HeLa cells after 3 days by SRB assay Antitumor activity against human HeLa cells after 3 days by SRB assay	[PMID: 25050882]
HeLa	IC₅₀	> 100 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 24378217]
HepG2	IC₅₀	0.71 mM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human HepG2 cells Antiproliferative activity against human HepG2 cells	10.1039/C6MD00252H
HepG2	IC₅₀	100.8 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity in human HepG2 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity in human HepG2 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
HepG2	IC₅₀	12.3 μM Compound: 5	Cytotoxicity against MDR1 Pgp overexpressing human HepG2 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against MDR1 Pgp overexpressing human HepG2 cells after 24 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 17949858]
HepG2	IC₅₀	74.6 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human HepG2 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human HepG2 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 32739648]
HepG2	IC₅₀	> 100 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells after 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 24378217]
MCF7	IC₅₀	0.13 mM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells	10.1039/C6MD00252H
MCF7	IC₅₀	105.7 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity in human MCF7 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity in human MCF7 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
MDA-MB-231	IC₅₀	41.8 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human MDA-MB-231 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human MDA-MB-231 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 32739648]
SCC-4	IC₅₀	0.058 mM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human SCC4 cells Antiproliferative activity against human SCC4 cells	10.1039/C6MD00252H
SGC-7901	IC₅₀	0.15 mM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human SGC7901 cells after 24 to 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human SGC7901 cells after 24 to 72 hrs by MTT assay	10.1039/C6MD00252H
SK-OV-3	IC₅₀	71.5 μM Compound: Rhein	Antiproliferative activity against human SK-OV-3 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human SK-OV-3 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 32739648]
WI-38	IC₅₀	324.9 μM Compound: Rhein	Cytotoxicity against human WI-38 cells incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human WI-38 cells incubated for 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 38516604]
WI-38	IC₅₀	92.34 μg/mL Compound: A	Antiproliferative activity against human WI-38 cells measured after 48 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human WI-38 cells measured after 48 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 35963130]

In Vitro

Rhein (0-80 μM, 72 h) inhibits the viability of NB4 cells in a dose-dependent manner^[2].
Rhein (5 μM, 72 h) increases semi-adherent, macrophage-like cells, and expression of CD11b, CD14, CCR-1 and CCR-2, and increases ROS production and phagocytosis in ATRA-activated NB4 cells^[2].
Rhein (5 μM, 72 h) induces NB4 cell death by activating apoptosis and inhibiting the mTOR pathway ^[2].
Rhein (50-200 μM, 48 h) inhibits angiogenesis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 cells^[4].
Rhein (0-50 μM, 24 h) inhibits HUVEC roliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation (inhibits VEGF165, EGF in supernatant and HIF-1α in nuclear extract)^[4].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

RT-PCR^[2]

Cell Line:	acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell (NB4 cells)
Concentration:	5 μM
Incubation Time:	72 h
Result:	Increaseed mRNA expression of PU.1, C/EBPA, and C/EBPE. Increaseed ATRA activated mRNA expression of CCR1 and CCR2.

Western Blot Analysis^[2]

Cell Line:	NB4 cells
Concentration:	0-40 μM
Incubation Time:	48 and 72 h
Result:	Increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, Bax. Decreased the expression of Bcl-xl, procaspase-3.

In Vivo

Rhein (10-40 mg/kg, i.g.) protects against Acetaminophen (HY-66005)-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats^[3].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Animal Model:	2.5 g/kg APAP (i.g.) induced rats^[3]
Dosage:	10, 20 and 40 mg/kg
Administration:	i.g.
Result:	Ameliorated histopathological damage of liver and kidney. Reduced GPT, GOT, UREA and CREA levels and ROS production. Restored NO, MDA, GSH contents.

Molecular Weight

284.22

Formula

C₁₅H₈O₆

CAS No.

478-43-3

Appearance

Solid

Color

Light yellow to yellow

SMILES

O=C(C(C=C1C2=O)=CC(O)=C1C(C3=C2C=CC=C3O)=O)O

Structure Classification

Initial Source

Shipping

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

Storage

Powder	-20°C	3 years
	4°C	2 years
In solvent	-80°C	2 years
	-20°C	1 year

Solvent & Solubility

In Vitro:

DMSO : 7.14 mg/mL (25.12 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

Preparing
Stock Solutions

Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg

1 mM	3.5184 mL	17.5920 mL	35.1840 mL
5 mM	0.7037 mL	3.5184 mL	7.0368 mL
10 mM	0.3518 mL	1.7592 mL	3.5184 mL

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

* Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 2 years; -20°C, 1 year. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 2 years. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 year.

Molarity Calculator
Dilution Calculator

Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

Concentration _(start) × Volume _(start) = Concentration _(final) × Volume _(final)

This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C₁V₁ = C₂V₂

Concentration _(start)

Volume _(start)

Concentration _(final)

Volume _(final)

In Vivo:

Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

Protocol 1

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: 1.67 mg/mL (5.88 mM); Suspended solution; Need ultrasonic

This protocol yields a suspended solution of 1.67 mg/mL. Suspended solution can be used for oral and intraperitoneal injection.
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (16.7 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.

For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly. It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

Protocol 1

Add each solvent one by one: 0.5% CMC-Na/saline water
Solubility: 10 mg/mL (35.18 mM); Suspended solution; Need ultrasonic

In Vivo Dissolution Calculator

Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

Dosage

mg/kg

Animal weight
(per animal)

Dosing volume
(per animal)

μL

Number of animals

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Please enter your animal formula composition:

DMSO +

Tween-80 +

Saline

Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.

The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).

Calculation results:

Working solution concentration: mg/mL

Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).

The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).

Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.

If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.

Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.

Purity & Documentation

Purity: 99.56%

Select Batch:

Data Sheet (281 KB) SDS (393 KB)

COA (251 KB) HNMR (262 KB) LCMS (105 KB)

Handling Instructions (2659 KB)

References

[1]. Hou ML, et al. The Drug-Drug Effects of Rhein on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Clozapine in Rat Brain Extracellular Fluid by In Vivo Microdialysis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2015 Oct;355(1):125-34. [Content Brief]

[2]. Heo SK, et al. Rhein augments ATRA-induced differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. Phytomedicine. 2018 Oct 1;49:66-74. [Content Brief]

[3]. Zhao YL, et al. Rhein protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatic and renal toxicity. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Aug;49(8):1705-10. [Content Brief]

[4]. Fernand VE, et al. Rhein inhibits angiogenesis and the viability of hormone-dependent and -independent cancer cells under normoxic or hypoxic conditions in vitro. Chem Biol Interact. 2011 Jul 15;192(3):220-32. [Content Brief]

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Optional Solvent	Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg	25 mg

DMSO	1 mM	3.5184 mL	17.5920 mL	35.1840 mL	87.9600 mL
	5 mM	0.7037 mL	3.5184 mL	7.0368 mL	17.5920 mL
	10 mM	0.3518 mL	1.7592 mL	3.5184 mL	8.7960 mL
	15 mM	0.2346 mL	1.1728 mL	2.3456 mL	5.8640 mL
	20 mM	0.1759 mL	0.8796 mL	1.7592 mL	4.3980 mL
	25 mM	0.1407 mL	0.7037 mL	1.4074 mL	3.5184 mL

Rhein Related Classifications

Help & FAQs

Do most proteins show cross-species activity?
Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

Keywords:

Rhein478-43-3Rheic Acid Rhubarb yellow MonorheinAutophagyReactive Oxygen Species (ROS)BacterialApoptosisleukemiaNB4 cellhepatocelluar carcinomacancerInhibitorinhibitorinhibit

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Rhein (Synonyms: Rheic Acid; Rhubarb yellow; Monorhein)

Customer Review

Other Forms of Rhein:

Rhein Related Antibodies

17 Publications Citing Use of MCE Rhein

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•Related Screening Libraries:

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Biological Activity

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References

Customer Review

Rhein Related Antibodies

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Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Rhein Related Classifications

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