Chinese rhubarb
Rheum officinale
Rheum officinale is a perennial herb central to various traditional medicinal practices. It is traditionally utilized as a purgative, laxative, and stomachic, with applications ranging from treating diarrhea and dysentery to addressing jaundice, boils, and burns. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests potential benefits, such as improved constipation through paste application and possible protection of pancreatic cells in diabetic models. Some studies also indicate effects on gut microbiota and antioxidant capacity in animal models, though much of this data remains limited to specific laboratory settings. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- purgative · stomachic
- Traditions
- TCM · Japanese (Kampo) · traditional
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
What the science says
- The study found that acupoint application with Rheum officinale paste improved constipation in patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures compared to a control group.
- CR supplementation protected pancreatic β-cells in diabetic rats by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation and modulating gut microbiota.
- Dietary piceatannol supplementation improved growth performance and antioxidant capacity in weaned piglets by modulating gut microbiota and activating Nrf2 pathway.
- DH suppressed liver tumor growth in mice, potentially through altering gut bacterial composition.
- This study identified 167 AP2/ERF family genes in Rheum officinale, providing insights into gene functions related to development and stress responses.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese rhubarb?
Chinese rhubarb (Rheum officinale) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Chinese rhubarb traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Chinese rhubarb for: purgative, stomachic, laxative, astringent, dysentery, jaundice. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Chinese rhubarb?
Chinese rhubarb appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Japanese (Kampo), traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese rhubarb?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese rhubarb; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study found that acupoint application with Rheum officinale paste improved constipation in patients with thoracolumbar compression fractures compared to a control group.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese rhubarb?
The strongest finding for Chinese rhubarb carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chinese rhubarb safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese rhubarb in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chinese rhubarb interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese rhubarb in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chinese rhubarb?
Chinese rhubarb is also known as: Ревень лекарственный.
Is Chinese rhubarb a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Piceatannol enhances antioxidant capacity and growth in weaned piglets by regulating of Nrf2-mediated redox homeostasis and modulating of the related gut microbiota. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Acupoint Application for Constipation in Thoracolumbar Compression Fracture. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genome-wide analysis of the AP2/ERF gene family in Rheum officinale Baill.: Evolution and expression profiling during plant development, abiotic stresses, and exogenous hormone responses. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Coptidis Rhizoma and Rheum officinale Supplementation Protects β-cells in Diabetic Rats by Suppressing the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Regulating the Gut Microbiota. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Gut bacteria inhibited liver tumor growth during Rheum officinale Baill. treatment in mice. literature abstract metadata