Rheum palmatum

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Rheum palmatum, also known as Chinese rhubarb, Turkey rhubarb, Indian rhubarb, Russian rhubarb, or simply rhubarb, is a plant species with a long history of medicinal use. It belongs to the family Polygonaceae and is native to the mountainous regions of western and northwestern China, as well as the Tibetan Plateau.

Description

Rheum palmatum is a robust herbaceous perennial growing to 2-3 m tall. It has large, triangular leaves, 40-60 cm long, with a pronounced red coloration. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and arranged in large compound leafy inflorescences.

Uses

The root of Rheum palmatum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over two thousand years. It is considered a "cooling" herb and is used to reduce heat in the body, especially in the digestive system. It is also used to treat constipation, diarrhea, jaundice, and skin eruptions.

Cultivation

Rheum palmatum prefers a sunny position and a well-drained soil. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is propagated by seed in the spring or by division in early spring or autumn.

Toxicity

While the root of Rheum palmatum is used medicinally, it can be toxic in large doses. Symptoms of toxicity can include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term use can lead to electrolyte imbalance and potassium loss.

See also

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia

Rheum palmatum

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD