Rhubarb - Herbal Research
A WHO Organization resource - Full Report
Medicinal uses supported by clinical data
Short-term treatment of occasional constipation (20, 23, 24).
Uses described in folk medicine, not supported by experimental or clinical data
To treat hypotension, increase peripheral vasodilation, and inhibit blood coagulation (8, 20).
Contraindications
As with other stimulant laxatives, products containing Rhizoma Rhei should not be administered to patients with intestinal obstruction and stenosis, atony, severe dehydration states with water and electrolyte depletion, or chronic constipation. Rhizoma Rhei should not be used in patients with inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as appendicitis, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome, or in children under 10 years of age. Rhizoma Rhei should not be used during pregnancy or lactation except under medical supervision after respective benefits and risks have been considered. As with other stimulant laxatives, Rhizoma Rhei is contraindicated in patients with cramps, colic, haemorrhoids, nephritis, or any undiagnosed abdominal symptoms such as pain, nausea, or vomiting (23, 24).
References:
8. Farnsworth NR, ed. NAPRALERT database. Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, March 15, 1995 production (an on-line database available directly through the University of Illinois at Chicago or through the Scientific and Technical Network (STN) of Chemical Abstracts Services).
20. Nishioka I. Biological activities and the active components of rhubarb. International journal of Oriental medicine, 1991, 16:193–212.
21. Bradley PR, ed. British herbal compendium, Vol. 1. Bournemouth, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992.
22. German Commission E monograph, Rhei radix. Bundesanzeiger, 1993, 133:21 July.
23. Reynolds JEF, ed. Martindale, the extra pharmacopoeia, 30th ed. London, Pharmaceutical Press, 1993:903.
24. Bisset NG. Max Wichtl's herbal drugs & phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL, CRC Press, 1994.
