Rhubarb root has laxative effects and is therefore used for short-term treatment of constipation (constipation) and general constipation. In addition, the drug is used in diseases and conditions where a soft stool is desired, such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids and after surgical procedures on the rectum or anus.
Rhubarb root: other indications for use.
Alcoholic extracts of the roots can be used for gingivitis and inflammation of the oral mucosa.
In low doses, rhubarb root is also used as an antimicrobial and astringent hemostatic agent. However, there is no sound scientific evidence for this yet.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), rhubarb root is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Folk medicine application of rhubarb
In this country, the roots are used folk medicine in low dosage (0.1-0.2 g of the drug as a single dose) as a stomachic, remedy for diarrhea and liver problems.
Rhubarb root in homeopathy.
In homeopathy, people mainly apply the dried underground parts of rhubarb to treat diarrhea, dental problems and behavioral disorders in children. The rhizomes should be freed from stem parts, smaller roots and most of the bark.
Ingredients of rhubarb
The roots contain a rather complex mixture of mainly phenolic groups of substances. Particularly significant for the laxative effect are the hydroxyanthracene derivatives, which occur at a rate of 3-12%. For a therapeutic benefit, at least 2.5 % anthranoid glycosides should be present.
Catechin tannins, gallotannins, pectins and up to 3 % flavonoids are also present. The anti-inflammatory lindleyin and isolindleyin and the astringent tannins are probably responsible for the positive effect on inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa.
Rhubarb: Indication
Indications for rhubarb roots are:
- Constipation, constipation
- Intestinal sluggishness
- Gum inflammation
- Inflammation of the oral mucosa
