rhubarb

Rhubarb refers to the roots and stems of several species in the genus Rheum (notably Rheum officinale and Rheum palmatum), widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its primary pharmacological activity is as a stimulant laxative due to anthraquinone derivatives such as rhein and emodin. At low doses it can have constipating effects via tannins; at higher doses it stimulates bowel movements by promoting peristalsis through hydrolyzed metabolites of emodin and sennidin. Other reported activities include anti-inflammatory effects (emodin), hepatoprotective actions (possibly via anti-inflammatory mechanisms), estrogen-receptor modulation (lindleyin), anticancer properties (aloe-emodin), antimicrobial action and cardiovascular protection. Rhubarb is also used for digestive complaints including constipation and diarrhea; other studied indications include hyperlipidemia and acute ischemic stroke. However clinical evidence for most uses remains limited[2][4][5][7].

Other names

Rheum officinaleRheum palmatumRheum rhabarbarumRheum rhaponticumBo ye da huangChinese rhubarbDa-huangDanning PianNumber TenRadix et rhizoma rheiRhaptonicSiberian rhubarbTa-huangTurkey rhubarb