Anthraquinone Derivatives Research Articles

Emodin relieves morphine-stimulated BV2 microglial activation and inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

The objective of this study is to disclose the role of emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative that has been proposed to suppress microglial activation and inflammation, in morphine tolerance. Here, cell counting kit-8 method assayed the viability of BV2 microglial cells treated by ascending concentrations of emodin. In emodin-pretreated BV2 microglial cells challenged with morphine with or without transfection of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) overexpression plasmids, transwell assay measured cell migration. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot detected the expression of microglial markers. Inflammatory levels were subjected to ELISA and western blot. BODIPY 581/591 C11 assay estimated lipid reactive oxygen species activity. Iron assay kit examined total iron content. Western blot tested the expression of ferroptosis- and TLR4/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) pathway-associated proteins. Molecular docking predicted the binding affinity of emodin to TLR4. Emodin was noted to obstruct the migration, activation, inflammatory response, and ferroptosis of BV2 microglial cells induced by morphine. In addition, emodin had a high binding affinity with TLR4 and inactivated TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in morphine-challenged BV2 microglial cells. Upregulation of TLR4 partially countervailed the protective role of emodin against morphine-elicited BV2 microglial cell migration, activation, inflammation, and ferroptosis. Accordingly, emodin might target TLR4 and act as an inactivator of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, thus inhibiting BV2 microglial activation and inflammation to mitigate morphine tolerance.

Renoprotective effect of diacetylrhein on diclofenac-induced acute kidney injury in rats via modulating Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathways

Diclofenac (DF)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by glomerular dysfunction and acute tubular necrosis. Due to limited treatment approaches, effective and safe drug therapy to protect against such AKI is still needed. Diacetylrhein (DAR), an anthraquinone derivative, has different antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the renoprotective effect of DAR on DF-induced AKI while elucidating the potential underlying mechanism. Our results showed that DAR (50 and 100 mg/kg) markedly abrogated DF-induced kidney dysfunction decreasing SCr, BUN, serum NGAL, and serum KIM1 levels. Moreover, DAR treatment remarkably maintained renal redox balance and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in the kidney. Mechanistically, DAR boosted Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response in the kidney while suppressing renal TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3/caspase-1 inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, DAR markedly inhibited renal pyroptosis via targeting of GSDMD activation. Collectively, this study confirmed that the interplay between Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathways and pyroptotic cell death mediates DF-induced AKI and reported that DAR has a dose-dependent renoprotective effect on DF-induced AKI in rats. This effect is due to powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyroptotic activities that could provide a promising treatment approach to protect against DF-induced AKI.

New insights into the interaction of emodin with lipid membranes

Emodin is a natural anthraquinone derivative found in nature, widely known as an herbal medicine. Here, the partition, location, and interaction of emodin with lipid membranes of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) are experimentally investigated with different techniques. Our studies have considered the neutral form of emodin (EMH) and its anionic/deprotonated form (EM−), and their interaction with a more and less packed lipid membrane, DMPC at the gel and fluid phases, respectively. Though DSC results indicate that the two species, EMH and EM−, similarly disrupt the packing of DMPC bilayers, spin labels clearly show that EMH causes a stronger bilayer disruption, both in gel and fluid DMPC. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows that both EMH and EM− have a high affinity for DMPC: the binding of EM− to both gel and fluid DMPC bilayers was found to be quite similar, and similar to that of EMH to gel DMPC, Kp = (1.4 ± 0.3)x103. However, EMH was found to bind twice more strongly to fluid DMPC bilayers, Kp = (3.2 ± 0.3)x103. Spin labels and optical absorption spectroscopy indicate that emodin is located close to the lipid bilayer surface, and suggest that EM− is closer to the lipid/water interface than EMH, as expected. The present studies present a relevant contribution to the current understanding of the effect the two species of emodin, EMH and EM−, present on different microregions of an organism, as local pH values can vary significantly, can cause in a neutral lipid membrane, either more or less packed, liked gel and fluid DMPC, respectively, and could be extended to lipid domains of biological membranes.

Emodin ameliorates acute radiation proctitis in mice by regulating AKT/MAPK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways

BackgroundEmodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill, has many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer. However, little is known about the effect of emodin on acute radiation proctitis (ARP). The present study was conducted to determine its effects and elucidate its mechanisms involving AKT/MAPK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways in ARP mice. MethodsTotal 60 C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into control group, ARP group, AKT inhibitor MK-2206 group, and different doses of emodin groups. ARP mice were induced by 27 Gy of 6 MV X-ray pelvic local irradiation. MK-2206 was given orally for 2 weeks on alternate days. Emodin was administered daily by oral gavage for 2 weeks. Subsequently, all mice were sacrificed on day 15. The rectal tissues were obtained for further tests. The general signs score and the pathological grade were used to evaluate the severity of ARP. The expression of NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38, Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed using western blot. ResultsThe worse general signs and damaged tissue structure of ARP mice were profoundly ameliorated by emodin. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were significantly increased, resulting in the inflammation-induced angiogenesis in ARP mice. However, the expression of p-JNK and p-p38 were decreased, leading to the reduction of apoptosis in ARP mice. Excitedly, emodin reversed these changes, not only inhibited inflammation-induced angiogenesis, but also promoted apoptosis. Notably, the effects of emodin were similar to that of AKT inhibitor MK-2206, suggesting the involvement of AKT signaling in the effect of emodin. ConclusionThese results suggest that emodin attenuates ARP in mice, and the underlying mechanism might involve inhibition of the AKT/ERK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways and the induction of apoptosis mediated by JNK and p38.

Comparison of the Influence of Oxygen Groups Introduced by Graphene Oxide on the Activity of Carbon Felt in Vanadium and Anthraquinone Flow Batteries.

An increasing number of studies focus on organic flow batteries (OFBs) as possible substitutes for the vanadium flow battery (VFB), featuring anthraquinone derivatives, such as anthraquinone-2,7-disulfonic acid (2,7-AQDS). VFBs have been postulated as a promising energy storage technology. However, the fluctuating cost of vanadium minerals and risky supply chains have hampered their implementation, while OFBs could be prepared from renewable raw materials. A critical component of flow batteries is the electrode material, which can determine the power density and energy efficiency. Yet, and in contrast to VFBs, studies on electrodes tailored for OFBs are scarce. Hence, in this work, we propose the modification of commercial carbon felts with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and poly(ethylene glycol) for the 2,7-AQDS redox couple and to preliminarily assess its effects on the efficiency of a 2,7-AQDS/ferrocyanide flow battery. Results are compared to those of a VFB to evaluate if the benefits of the modification are transferable to OFBs. The modification of carbon felts with surface oxygen groups introduced by the presence of rGO enhanced both its hydrophilicity and surface area, favoring the catalytic activity toward VFB and OFB reactions. The results are promising, given the improved behavior of the modified electrodes. Parallels are established between the electrodes of both FB technologies.

Cassia angustifolia Vahl. Leaves: Determination of Total Phenolic and Sennoside Contents of Different Fractions in Comparison with Their α- Glucosidase and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Effects.

Cassia angustifolia Vahl. (Senna) is a medicinal plant containing anthraquinone compounds such as sennoside. Senna is primarily valued for its laxative properties. In Persian medicine, this plant has been also used to treat various disorders such as diabetes and skin hyperpigmentation. Previous studies have shown that different species of senna, such as C. articulata, C. alata, C. Siamea, C. Surattensis inhibit alpha-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. To the best of our knowledge, no previous evidence is available on tyrosinase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects of the extract and different fractions of C. angustifolia leaves. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of the methanol-water extract and different fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and remaining crude extract) of senna against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase and to investigate their total phenolic and sennoside B contents. Our findings depicted that the methanol-water extract and fractions had no significant anti-tyrosinase activity; however, some fractions were active toward α-glucosidase. The hexane fraction and the remaining crude extract demonstrated the highest inhibition on α-glucosidase compared to acarbose (positive control). In addition, the ethyl acetate fraction contains high phenolic and hydroxy anthraquinone derivatives based on the amount of sennoside B contents equivalent to 382.25 μg/mL of gallic acid and 1.525% of sennoside B, respectively. Moreover, no correlation was observed between the phenolic and sennoside contents of different fractions and their α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. Considering the α-glucosidase inhibition results, the hexane fraction of C. angustifolia can be a valuable fraction for in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic studies as well as further phytochemical studies. Further studies to identify the active substances and the exact mechanism of the bioactive ingredients on the inhibitory effects of α-glucosidase can provide promising results in the future.

The p53-mediated cell cycle regulation is a potential mechanism for emodin-suppressing osteosarcoma cells

BackgroundAs the most common primary bone cancer, the therapy of osteosarcoma requires further study. An anthraquinone derivative, emodin, has been found to have anticancer potential. We proposed that emodin suppresses osteosarcoma by cell cycle regulation mediated by p53. MethodsThis study determined the effect of emodin on viability and apoptosis of 6 osteosarcoma cell lines (p53 null cells MG63, G292, and A-673; p53 mutated cells HOS and SK-PN-DW; p53 expressing cells U2OS and 2 osteoblast cell lines), then knockdown p53 in U2OS, and observed the impacts of emodin on p53, p21, cyclin proteins, and cell cycle. ResultsHigh dose emodin (40–160 μM) induced cell death and apoptosis of all the cell lines; medium dose emodin (20 μM) preferentially inhibited osteosarcoma cells; low dose emodin (1–10 μM) preferentially inhibited p53 expressing osteosarcoma cells. Emodin dose-dependently inhibited p53 and p21 in U2OS. Emodin at 10 μM decreased the expression of Cdk2, E2F, and Cdk1; and increased RB but had no effects on cyclin E and cyclin B. The knockdown of p53 almost eliminated all the impacts of 10 μM emodin on cell cycle proteins. ConclusionsEmodin suppresses U2OS by p53-mediated cell cycle regulation.

The Application of Emodin Treatment on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Therapy.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy prevailing in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southern China, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. Although early-stage NPC responds well to the primary treatment of radio-chemotherapy, the mortality rate of advanced NPC remains high. Therefore, developing new therapies for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an urgent task. Emodin is an anthraquinone derivative mainly found in Rheum palmatum. Emodin has been found to possess many anti-cancer functions against various types of cancers, but they are less discussed in the treatment of NPC. This review organized the different studies about the anti-NPC activity of emodin and discussed the potential and challenges of emodin treatment in NPC therapy.

Anti‐tumor efficacy of emodin on colorectal cancer cells via targeting lncRNA HLA complex P5

AbstractEmodin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative with a variety of pharmacologic effects, but its role and regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be investigated. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the effect of emodin on CRC cells. A gradient of emodin and long noncoding RNA HCP5 overexpression plasmid/small interfering RNA targeting HCP5 (siHCP5) were used for treating CRC cells. Expression levels of RNAs and proteins were detected by utilizing quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The viability, migration, and invasion of CRC cells were tested via cell counting kit‐8, wound healing, and Transwell assays. In HT29 and HCT116 cells, the viability, migration, and invasion, along with HCP5 expression, were suppressed by emodin in a dose‐dependent manner. HCP5 overexpression elevated the viability, migration as well as invasion, and up‐regulated N‐cadherin, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 levels, while reducing E‐cadherin expression. Nevertheless, silencing of HCP5 inhibited the viability, migration as well as invasion, and down‐regulated N‐cadherin, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression levels, while increasing E‐cadherin expression. Additionally, the promoting role of HCP5 overexpression in CRC cells was reversed by emodin, while the suppressive role of siHCP5 was enhanced by emodin in CRC cells. Our study indicates that emodin is a promising agent to inhibit CRC progression through suppression of HCP5 expression.

Novel Synthesized Tyrosinase Inhibitors: A Systematic Patent Review (2012-Present).

Tyrosine is an enzyme responsible for melanin production. Its abnormal accumulation in different parts of the body is known as hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase inhibitors have been used as one of the main approaches to treat these kinds of cosmetic and medical issues. This review aimed to discuss the advances in patents for this class of inhibitors, focusing on synthetic ones, by studying recent patent applications (2012-2022). We performed a screening using the European Patent Office's Espacenet database, from which 15 inventions were selected and fully studied. China has more patent applications, all of them were focused on synthetic methods and the majority declared at least two additional applications as antibrowning agents for fruits and vegetables, biological pesticides, and medicine to treat diseases like Parkinson's or melanoma. The strategies employed by the investigators focused on the examination of previous literature, which oriented on the type of structures that have been found to show good inhibitory activity; the study also examined aspects of their reaction mechanisms and information about the structureactivity relationship. For some groups of inhibitors, such as benzaldehyde and anthraquinone derivatives, the data were meaningful and extensive. In contrast, arginyl and troponoids compounds were difficult to analyze due to the limited research works.

Anti-psoriatic evaluation of aloe emodin-loaded topical hydrogel in an imiquimod-induced human plaque-type psoriasis in BALB/c mice

Aloe emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, mainly obtained from Aloe vera, possesses an extensive spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anti-proliferative, anticancer, wound healing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The objective of the present study was to prepare aloe emodin-loaded topical hydrogel formulations for managing plaque-type psoriasis. Different proportions of carbopol 940, chitosan, and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose K15M (HPMC K15M) were used as gelling agents. The prepared hydrogels were characterized for pH, viscosity, rheological behavior, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, drug content, and accelerated stability. Based on physicochemical and in vitro permeation studies, PHGL1 containing aloe emodin (1%) and carbopol 940 (1%) was selected. The acute dermal toxicity study was also conducted as per the OECD guidelines 402. The mechanism of drug release followed Korsemeyer–Peppa’s model. The optimized batch showed a pH range from 6.867 ± 0.015 to 6.91 ± 0.254, drug content 94.6% ± 0.686% w/w of the active principle when studied in triplicate for drug content analysis, the measured viscosity of the formulation was 31402.33 ± 149.0783 mPaS exhibiting a shear thinning system along with thixotropic behavior at 25°C, and sustained drug release of 78% in 8 hours. An ex vivo permeation study demonstrated that 203.73 μg/ml/cm2 drug permeated through skin in 24 hours. Application of aloe emodin-loaded topical hydrogel to psoriatic skin resulted in a reduction of epidermal thickness, scaling, and ear thickness. The key inflammatory marker tissue necrosis factor (TNF-α) also showed a significant decrease. Compared with the marketed formulation, the test formulation showed no significant difference in the percentage reduction in ear thickness. No acute dermal toxicity was observed at the initial dose of 200 mg. The outcome suggests the promising potential of aloe emodin-loaded hydrogel in improving plaque-like psoriasis without dermal toxicity. Further studies are warranted to establish its efficacy in the management of psoriasis.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of thiazole-fused anthraquinones.

Heterocyclic derivatives of anthraquinone demonstrated a high potential for the development of new antitumor compounds. In this study, we report a scheme for the synthesis of thiazole-fused anthraquinones and the results of their antiproliferative activity. A convenient metal-free method for the thiolation of anthraquinone derivatives has been proposed for the preparation of the key intermediates. C-S bond formation upon nucleophilic substitution of the bromine atom in anthraquinone with 4-methoxybenzyl mercaptan readily occurs under mild conditions using t-BuOK as a base. This process was used for the preparation of anthra[2,3-d]thiazoles with various substituents at position 2, in particular the alkoxycarbonyl group. Study of the chemical properties resulted in the transformation of anthra[2,3-d]thiazole-2-carboxylic acid into a series of carboxamides. Screening the antiproliferative effect revealed moderate activity of compounds 12b and 12d against human cancer cells, showing weaker activity than anthra[2,3-d]thiophene analogs and indicating a crucial role of the heterocyclic nucleus in the antitumor potency of heteroareneanthraquinones.

Synthesis of a New Series of Anthraquinone-Linked Cyclopentanone Derivatives: Investigating the Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Cytotoxic and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities of the Mushroom Tyrosinase Enzyme Using Molecular Docking.

New bioactive anthraquinone derivatives are investigated for antibacterial, tyrosinase inhibitory, antioxidant cytotoxic activity, and molecular docking. The compounds were produced using the grindstone method, yielding 69 to 89%. These compounds were analyzed using IR, 1H, and 13C NMR and elemental and mass spectral methods. Additionally, the antibacterial, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of all the synthesised compounds were evaluated. Compound 2 showed remarkable tyrosinase inhibition activity, with an (IC50: 13.45 µg/mL), compared to kojic acid (IC50: 19.40 µg/mL). It also exhibited moderate antioxidant and antibacterial activities with respect to the references BHT and ampicillin, respectively. Kinetic analysis revealed that the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of compound 2 was non-competitive and competitive, whereas that of compound 1 was low. All compounds (1-8) were significantly less active than doxorubicin (LC50: 0.74±0.01μg/mL). However, compound 2 affinity for the 2Y9X protein was lower than kojic acid, with a lower docking score (-8.6 kcal/mol compared to (-4.7 kcal/mol), making it more effective. All synthesized compounds displayed remarkable antibacterial, tyrosinase inhibitory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities, with compound 2 showing exceptional potency as a multitarget agent. Anthraquinone substituent groups may offer the potential for the development of treatments. The derivatives were synthesized using the grindstone method, and their antibacterial, antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities were inspected. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed using compound 2 and kojic acid to validate the results and confirm the stability of the compounds.

Determination of polyphenolic compounds in raw plant materials by NMR spectroscopy

Environmental monitoring and assessment of the prospects for extracting biologically active substances (BAS) from various types of plant biomass requires the development of simple and fast methods for measuring their content in raw materials. For this purposes massspectrometry and NMR spectroscopy are widely used. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. But NMR spectroscopy is a nondestructive method and requires simple sample preparation. In addition, quantitative studies using NMR spectroscopy do not require authentic standard samples. We have developed various techniques for targeted metabolomic analysis of plant origin samples using NMR spectroscopy, including: determination of anthraquinone derivatives in extracts from roots and rhizomes of Rubia tinctorum L., determination of diosmin in Hyssopus officinalis L., determination glucofrangulin A in extracts from leaves of Rhamnus frangula L.

Synthesis of Anthraquinone Derivate with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristic for Fingerprint Development

Synthesis of Anthraquinone Derivate with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristic for Fingerprint Development

Synthesis and antitumor activity of cyclopentane-fused anthraquinone derivatives

In our pursuit of developing novel analogs of anthracyclines with enhanced antitumor efficacy and safety, we have designed a synthesis scheme for 4,11-dihydroxy-5,10-dioxocyclopenta[b]anthracene-2-carboxamides. These newly synthesized compounds exhibit remarkable antiproliferative potency against various mammalian tumor cell lines, including those expressing activated mechanisms of multidrug resistance. The structure of the diamine moiety in the carboxamide side chain emerges as a critical determinant for anticancer activity and interaction with key targets such as DNA, topoisomerase 1, and ROS induction. Notably, the introduced modification to the doxorubicin structure results in significantly increased lipophilicity, cellular uptake, and preferential distribution in lysosomes. Consequently, while maintaining an impact on anthracyclines targets, these novel derivatives also demonstrate the potential to induce cytotoxicity through pathways associated with lysosomes. In summary, derivatives of cyclic diamines, particularly 3-aminopyrrolidine, can be considered a superior choice compared to aminosugars for incorporation into natural and semi-synthetic anthracyclines or new anthraquinone derivatives, aiming to circumvent efflux-mediated drug resistance.

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of 3-Dimethyl Carbamoyl Emodin

Emodin (6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a natural anthraquinone derivative with potential pharmacological such as cytotoxic effects. The structure modification could be performed to determine the functional groups that have the role of substance activities. In this study, we modified one hydroxy group in the emodin structure to become dimethyl carbamoyl moiety. Emodin was reacted with dimethyl carbamoyl chloride and potassium carbonate to create 3-dimethyl carbamoyl emodin. The structure of the product was elucidated using mass spectrophotometer (MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR and C-NMR). These substances were tested for cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell lines using the MTT assay. According to the evaluation, 3-dimethyl carbamoyl emodin is less cytotoxic than emodin. As a result, the hydroxy group at the C3 position of emodin has been identified as a functional component that contributes to its cytotoxic effect.

Polymerized Riboflavin and Anthraquinone Derivatives for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is identified as a promising reagent for fuel cells, reducing the dependency on carbon‐based fuels. In this work, electrochemically synthesized polymers are employed to improve the efficiency of the oxygen (O2) reduction reaction, thus producing H2O2 in an environmentally friendly way. Two aminoanthraquinones, as well as riboflavin (vitamin B2), are successfully immobilized via oxidative electropolymerization onto both glassy carbon and carbon paper. Of the investigated compounds, polyriboflavin shows a high Faradaic efficiency toward O2 reduction, even at a very low potential of only −0.1 V versus SHE. This catalytic effect is present in neutral and alkaline conditions, using both glassy carbon and carbon paper, but highly pronounced in neutral, aqueous solutions.

Recent Advances in Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation Approaches for Azo Dyes

In recent decades, the textile industry has contributed to continuous pollution in the environment. Synthetic dyes which are commonly found in waste water are azo, sulfur, anthraquinone, triphenylmethyl, indigoid, and phthalocyanine derivatives. These pollutants block the light penetration in water bodies and prevent photosynthesis activity, thereby affecting aquatic life. As an environmental crisis, several technologies have been explored to control pollution. Among all the techniques, the photocatalysis process is considered as a green, simple, and economical process. To improve the photocatalytic activity, researchers worldwide have investigated various photocatalysts such as metal oxides, metal ferrites, and heterostructured nanocomposites. The major goal of this review article is to propose a high-performing, cost-effective hybrid photocatalyst reported to date for prospective azo dye pollutant remediation. This review article also aimed to highlight the challenges and uncertainties associated with dye degradation in the photocatalytic process.

Recognition of human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA by 1,5-disubstituted diethyl-amido anthraquinone derivative in different ion environments causing thermal stabilization and apoptosis

Ligand binding to G-quadruplex (G4) structures at human telomeric DNA ends promotes thermal stabilization, disrupting the interaction of the telomerase enzyme, which is found active in 80–85% of cancers and serves as a molecular marker. Anthraquinone compounds are well-known G-quadruplex (G4) binders that inhibit telomerase and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Our current investigation is based on 1,5-bis[3-(diethylamino)propionamido]anthracene-9,10-dione, a derivative of anthraquinone and its binding characterization with two different human telomeric DNA structures, wHTel26 and HTel22, in the effect of K+ and Na+ by using an array of biophysical, calorimetry, molecular docking and cell viability assay techniques. Binding constants (K b) in the range of ∼105–107 M−1 and stoichiometries of 1:1, 2:1 & 4:1 were obtained from the absorbance, fluorescence, and circular dichroism study. Remarkable hypochromism (55, 97%) and ∼17 nm shift in absorbance, fluorescence quenching (95, 97%), the unaltered value of fluorescence lifetime, restoration of Circular Dichroism bands, absence of ICD band, indicated the external groove binding/binding somewhere at loops. This is also evident in molecular docking results, the ligand binds to groove forming base (G4, G5, G24, T25) and in the vicinity to TTA loop (G14, G15, T17) bases of wHTel26 and HTel22, respectively. Thermal stabilization induced by ligand was found greater in Na+ ion (27.5 °C) than (19.1 °C) in K+ ion. Ligand caused cell toxicity in MCF-7 cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of ∼8.4 µM. The above findings suggest the ligand, 1,5-bis[3-(diethylamino)propionamido]anthracene-9,10-dione could be a potent anticancer drug candidate and has great therapeutic implications. Binding of disubstituted amido anthraquinone derivative, 1,5-bis[3-(diethylamino)propionamido]anthracene-9,10-dione to human telomere HTel22 antiparallel conformation induced thermal stabilization. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma