Rhein (CED0002596)

Rhein is an organic compound with the formula C15H8O6 and an average molecular weight of 284.22 g/mol. Rhein belongs to the anthracenecarboxylic acids and derivatives, a subclass of anthracenes within the organic compounds. It is classified under the superclass of benzenoids. Industrially, the compound is used as a biocide. It has been identified in 34 recorded sources across multiple sectors. Within electrical and electronic equipment, it is found in cell phones, capacitors, batteries, printed circuit boards, and wires and cables, among 11 other items. In the food, food processing and cookware sector, it is associated with food packaging, food preservation, the preparation of vinegar, the treatment of hops, and fermentation processes for beer. Its presence is also recorded in building and construction materials such as roofs, floors, tents or canopies, and stairs and ramps. In household cleaning and consumer products, it appears in soap detergents and perfumes within detergents and soaps, as well as tobacco smoke filters. Additionally, it is found in synthetic textiles, carpets and rugs, and medical devices. Recorded routes of exposure include oral, inhalation, and touch. At the molecular level, Rhein acts on four recorded protein targets. It serves as an inhibitor of the oxysterols receptor LXR-alpha (NR1H3), the oxysterols receptor LXR-beta (NR1H2), the polyunsaturated fatty acid 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5), and the heat shock protein HSP 90-alpha (HSP90AA1).