What is the medicinal use of rheum?
Rheum palmatum, also known as medicinal rhubarb, has a long tradition in the treatment of constipation and, when applied externally, for inflammation of the oral mucosa. Previous studies have demonstrated that Rhubarb possesses a good nephroprotective effect, which primarily protects the kidneys from fibrosis, oxidation, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, studies have shown that the long-term inappropriate use of Rhubarb may cause damage to renal function.May help lower blood pressure. Rhubarb is a source of potassium, which helps to counter the damaging effects of eating too much salt. A study published in the European Heart Journal revealed that women who had the highest intakes of potassium were 13 per cent less likely to have a heart attack or a stroke.Rhubarb is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins (which give it its red color) and proanthocyanidins. These antioxidants have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which help protect you from many health-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.As a traditional Chinese medicine, rhubarb has been used in a variety of liver diseases and it is widely used in clinic to prevent and treat acute liver injury. Anthraquinone, as the main medicinal component of rhubarb, can reverse the further development of liver fibrosis caused by acute liver injury.
What is Rheum used for?
Rheum officinale (Da Huang) a medicinal herb used widely in China to treat CKD has been reported to offer a range of pharmacological properties that may delay disease progression. The rhizome and root are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat gastrointestinal and liver diseases (40). It is also used in herbal formulas such as Ma Zi Ren Wan. The anthraquinones and tannins in rhubarb are thought responsible for its laxative and constipating effects, respectively (4).Western rhubarb varieties originated in China Rhubarb’s medicinal uses began at least 5000 years ago, to when Chinese used dried roots as a laxative. The first documented uses in western civilization are 2100 years ago when rhubarb roots were an ingredient in numerous Greek and Roman medicines.Rhubarb, which is prescribed as the root and rhizome of Rheum officinale Baill. Rheum tanguticum Maxim. Balf. Rheum palmatum L.