Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is part of the polygonaceae family. Chinese Rhubarb is a different species to our garden rhubarb, even though it belongs to the same family. It is not eaten as a food, but for its medicinal properties. The plant can grow up to 3 metres. The decorative basal leaves are rather large, serrated and palmate. It flowers in plumes, varying from white to pink. This species of rhubarb likes lightly moist garden soil exposed to the sun or mid-shade.

Latin name

Rheum palmatum L./Rheum officinale Baill.

Origin

The plant originates in regions of western China, north of Tibet, and the Mongolian Plateau, in Asia.

Used part

The rhizome.

Active components

Anthraquinones (sennosides, rhein): substances that, through contact, stimulate the peristalsis of the intestines and reduce the absorption of water through the intestinal wall. This makes the stools softer and facilitates intestinal transit. Tannins: substances with an astringent action that act against diarrhoea.

Usage

Traditional Chinese healers have used rhubarb root for thousands of years. It has been used for all sorts of ailments, from gastric ulcers to kidney failure, and high blood pressure in pregnant women. Chinese texts from 2700 BC already referred to the medicinal properties of this plant. Currently, medicinal rhubarb is mainly used to support the regularity of intestinal transit and intestinal wellbeing. _1-3 As long as the dosage is respected, rhubarb is safe to use.₄ This species is also an ornamental plant.

Bibliographical references

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Standardised Tibetan rhubarb extract regulates intestinal transit, with a lasting effect, owing to optimally ...

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The health claims relating to other nutrients or substances contained in our products that feature on our site are compliant with Regulation No. 432/2012 of the Commission of 16 May 2012 which establishes a list of authorised health claims authorised in relation to food products, other than those in reference to the reduction of the risk of disease as well as community-based development and child health (cf. website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/nuhclaims/).