rheum palmatum root

Rheum palmatum root is the dried root of the plant Rheum palmatum L., commonly known as Chinese rhubarb. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is primarily used as a stimulant laxative for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation. The main active constituents are anthraquinone derivatives (such as emodin and rhein), which stimulate bowel movements by increasing peristalsis and altering water and salt absorption in the intestines. At lower doses, tannins present in the root can have an astringent effect; at higher doses, hydrolyzed metabolites produce a purgative effect. Other reported uses include management of gastrointestinal disorders (such as diarrhea or indigestion), liver diseases, menstrual cramps, symptoms of menopause (due to estrogenic compounds like lindleyin), inflammation (anti-inflammatory effects from emodin and other phenolics), hyperlipidemia, cancer adjunctive therapy (preclinical evidence only), pancreatitis symptom relief, and topical application for oral mucosa inflammation. However, robust clinical evidence supports only its use for constipation[1][2][3][5][6].

Other names

rhubarb rootChinese rhubarbDa-huangTurkey rhubarbBo ye da huangRadix et rhizoma rhei