Chinese rhubarb
Rheum palmatum
Rheum palmatum is a perennial herb central to various traditional Asian medicinal practices. It is traditionally utilized as an aperient, astringent, and stomachic across several herbal traditions. Scientific evidence suggests that emodin may activate the CFTR chloride channel, which could provide a mechanism for its laxative effects. Some studies indicate that combining Chinese herbal medicine with Western medicine may improve clinical efficacy in certain respiratory conditions, though limitations exist in this data. Regarding safety, no major issues have been recorded, and there are currently no recorded drug interactions.
- Traditionally for
- aperient · astringent
- Traditions
- TCM · Japanese (Kampo)
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- aperient
- astringent
- stomachic
What the science says
- Emodin activates the CFTR chloride channel in a cAMP/PKA pathway-dependent manner, suggesting a mechanism for its laxative effects.
- The study reviews the adjuvant therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yinchenhao Decoction in obstructive jaundice without definitive health claims.
- The meta-analysis showed that combining Chinese herbal medicine with Western medicine significantly improved clinical efficacy in patients with SAP-ALI/ARDS, though limitations exist.
- Transgenic tomato fruits expressed enzymes from Rheum palmatum and Rubus idaeus to produce minor amounts of raspberry ketone glycosides during ripening.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese rhubarb?
Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) 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: aperient, astringent, stomachic. 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).
What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese rhubarb?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese rhubarb; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Emodin activates the CFTR chloride channel in a cAMP/PKA pathway-dependent manner, suggesting a mechanism for its laxative effects.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese rhubarb?
The strongest finding for Chinese rhubarb carries evidence grade A — strong 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 пальчатый, Rhubarbe.
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 Assessment of the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine combined with western medicine for treating severe acute pancreatitis-related acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on random literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exploring the laxative effects of emodin on constipation through chloride channel activation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Metabolic engineering of tomato fruits for production of raspberry ketone glycosides. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Adjuvant therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yinchenhao decoction in obstructive jaundice: a narrative review. literature abstract metadata