Anthranoid glycosides are cleaved by bacteria in the colon upon ingestion. The cleavage products cause a reduced transport of fluid from the intestine into the blood on site and at the same time an increased transport of chloride and subsequently water into the intestine. The increased, more fluid intestinal volume stimulates intestinal movement and promotes bowel emptying.
The laxative effect was observed with single doses as low as 0.1 g.
Rhubarb: possible side effects
In isolated cases, cramp-like gastrointestinal symptoms have been observed when taking rhubarb root. In this case, a dose reduction must be made. In addition, a yellow or red-brown discoloration of the urine may occur.
With chronic use and abuse of the drug, severe electrolyte losses may occur. In particular, potassium deficiency can lead to cardiac dysfunction and muscle weakness.
Other possible side effects include blood in the urine (hematuria) and a harmless pigment deposit in the intestinal mucosa (pseudomelanosis coli). If rhubarb root is used for too long, it may increase intestinal sluggishness.
Drug interactions with rhubarb root
Chronic use and abuse of rhubarb root and concomitant use of adrenocortical steroids, certain diuretics (thiazide diuretics), and licorice root may cause severe potassium depletion.
This can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, increase the effect of cardiac glycosides (heart-strengthening agents), and also affect the effect of antiarrhythmic agents (agents against cardiac arrhythmias). Therefore, the above agents should not be taken together with rhubarb root.
