Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Rheum rhabarbarum is a perennial herb utilized extensively within various traditional medicinal systems. It is historically employed as a laxative, astringent, depurative, and stomachic. Preliminary scientific studies suggest potential therapeutic interest, as rhubarb-derived extracellular vesicles have shown the ability to reduce intracellular ROS levels and modulate glycolytic activity in certain Alzheimer's disease cellular models. Additionally, some decoctions containing the plant have demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects against Streptococcus pyogenes in laboratory settings. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- laxative · astringent
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- laxative
- astringent
- depurative
- stomachic
What the science says
- A new species of Didymella, identified as D. polygonacearum sp. nov., was found capable of infecting both Reynoutria japonica and Rheum rhabarbarum under artificial conditions.
- The study found that Rhubarb products in Japan initially came from Rumex madaio but later were sourced from Rheum rhabarbarum.
- Rhubarb-derived extracellular vesicles showed reduced intracellular ROS levels and modulated glycolytic activity in Alzheimer's disease cellular models.
- The study identified bioactive compounds in Magnolia officinalis Rheum rhabarbarum Decoction that showed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects against Streptococcus pyogenes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rhubarb?
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Rhubarb traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Rhubarb for: laxative, astringent, depurative, stomachic. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Rhubarb?
Rhubarb appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Rhubarb?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Rhubarb; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: A new species of Didymella, identified as D. polygonacearum sp. nov., was found capable of infecting both Reynoutria japonica and Rheum rhabarbarum under artificial conditions.
How strong is the evidence for Rhubarb?
The strongest finding for Rhubarb carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Rhubarb safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Rhubarb in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Rhubarb interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Rhubarb in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Rhubarb?
Rhubarb is also known as: ревень, rhubarbe.
Is 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 Utilizing network pharmacology and other tools to examine active components and mechanism of action of Magnolia officinalis rheum rhabarbarum decoction in treating Streptococcus pyogenes skin infections. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Rhubarb-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Mitigate Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Dysfunction in an Alzheimer's Cellular Model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A new species of Didymella from the eastern United States is a pathogen of invasive Reynoutria japonica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Historical studies on the use of Rhubarb in Japan. literature abstract metadata