rheum officinale

Rheum officinale is a perennial plant native to China and Tibet, commonly known as Chinese or Indian rhubarb. Its root has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The primary active constituents are anthraquinone derivatives (such as rhein, emodin, physcion), stilbene glycosides (like rhaponticin), tannins, sennosides, catechins, gallic acid and cinnaminic acid. Rheum officinale acts mainly as a stimulant laxative due to its anthraquinones that stimulate bowel movements by increasing peristalsis in the colon. In small doses it can have an astringent effect on the digestive system; larger doses act as a mild laxative or purgative[1][2][3][5]. It is also traditionally used for liver and gall bladder complaints, skin eruptions from toxin accumulation, menstrual problems and externally for burns[2]. Modern research has explored its use in gastrointestinal disorders (constipation), renal function disorders including chronic kidney disease[7], hyperlipidemia and even cancer; however robust clinical evidence remains limited[1][7]. Adverse effects are primarily gastrointestinal (cramping/diarrhea) with long-term use potentially leading to electrolyte imbalance or dependence on laxatives[3]. Contraindications include pregnancy/lactation and intestinal obstruction/inflammatory bowel disease.

Other names

chinese rhubarbindian rhubarbda huangrhei radixmedicinal rhubarb