Rhubarb Root
Rhubarb Root
Snapshot
Rhubarb Root (Rheum officinale or Rheum palmatum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to support healthy digestion, liver function, and bowel regularity through its anthraquinone and tannin content.
What is Rhubarb Root?
Rhubarb Root is the dried, peeled root of the rhubarb plant, containing bioactive compounds—primarily anthraquinones (rhein, emodin) that promote gentle laxation, and tannins that offer astringent, hepatoprotective effects.
Where It Comes From
Roots are harvested from mature rhubarb plants in autumn, thoroughly washed, peeled, and sun‑ or low‑heat dried before being cut and milled into coarse slices or powdered for extracts and teas.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides anthraquinone glycosides (rhein, emodin, chrysophanol) and tannins, along with small amounts of vitamins and minerals; standardized extracts often ensure 2–4% total anthraquinones.
Health Benefits
Rhubarb Root supports healthy bowel movements by stimulating intestinal motility; aids liver detoxification pathways; exerts antimicrobial activity in the gut; and offers antioxidant protection to gastrointestinal tissues.
Recommended Dosage
Traditional decoction: 3–6 g of sliced root steeped in hot water, 1–2 times daily. Extracts: 300–500 mg standardized to 2–4% anthraquinones, taken once daily, preferably before bedtime for bowel support.
How to Use It
Use as a herbal tea by simmering root slices 10–15 minutes, or take encapsulated powder/extract with water. Begin with lower doses to assess tolerance and avoid excessive laxation.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals with occasional constipation, mild digestive sluggishness, or seeking supportive liver‑gut cleansing; use short‑term or cyclically (e.g., 1–2 weeks on, followed by a break).
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or inflammatory bowel diseases; prolonged high‑dose use may lead to electrolyte imbalance or dependency; avoid concurrent use with other laxatives; consult a healthcare provider if on medications.
Final Thoughts
Rhubarb Root is a potent botanical for gentle laxative action, digestive and liver support, but should be used judiciously and for limited durations to maintain balance and safety.
Scientific Studies
Liu CX, et al. Rhubarb extract: pharmacology and toxicology. Phytother Res. 2007;21(6):501–508. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2132
Pang J, et al. Anthraquinones from rhubarb induce gut motility via colonic serotonin release. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;156:360–367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.011
Cheng WD, et al. Hepatoprotective effect of rhubarb tannins in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride‑induced liver injury. J Ethnopharmacol. 2018;210:211–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.027