Anthraquinones are a class of aromatic compounds with a 9,10-dioxoanthracene core. So far, 79 naturally occurring anthraquinones have been identified which include emodin, physcion, cascarin, catenarin, and rhein. A large body of literature has demonstrated that the naturally occurring anthraquinones possess a broad spectrum of bioactivities, such as cathartic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, vasorelaxing, and phytoestrogen activities, suggesting their possible clinical application in many diseases. Despite the advances that have been made in understanding the chemistry and biology of the anthraquinones in recent years, research into their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential in autoimmune disorders is still at an early stage. In this paper, we briefly introduce the etiology of autoimmune diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that affects as many as 10 million worldwide, and the role of chemotaxis in autoimmune diabetes. We then outline the chemical structure and biological properties of the naturally occurring anthraquinones and their derivatives with an emphasis on recent findings about their immune regulation. We discuss the structure and activity relationship, mode of action, and therapeutic potential of the anthraquinones in autoimmune diabetes, including a new strategy for the use of the anthraquinones in autoimmune diabetes.

The genus Bidens (Asteraceae) encompasses over 240 different species. One of them is Bidens pilosa L. that is an easy-to-grow perennial, and broadly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This plant has been regarded as an edible plant by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations since 1975, and has been traditionally used as a food and medicine in America, Africa, and Asia. B. pilosa has been claimed to possess active compounds with more than 40 distinct bioactivities. Although considerable progress has been made in studying the phytochemistry and biology of B. pilosa and its compounds over recent years, a critical review of its dietary functions for metabolic syndrome is unavailable. The present review summarizes the nutrition, benefits, phytochemistry, and safety of B. pilosa with respect to metabolic syndrome. As well as highlighting studies of the use of B. pilosa for metabolic syndrome, scientific evidence regarding the antimetabolic action, mechanism, and application of this species and its active phytochemicals are discussed. This review consolidates information for further study into the medicinal benefits of the compounds in this plant.

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