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Rheum spp.

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Chinese Drugs of Plant Origin

Abstract

Dahuang, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, is the dry root and rootstock of Rheum palmatum L., R. tanguticum Maxim, ex Balf. or R. officinale Baill. (Polygonaceae), collected in the late fall, when the aboveground part has withered or in early spring, before sprouting. It is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The rhubarb root is one of the oldest and best-known Chinese herbal medicines and is used or recommended as a laxative, antiphlogistic, and hemostatic in the treatment of obstipation, gastrointestinal indigestion, diarrhea, and jaundice. Further indications include bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, menstrual disorders, conjunctivitis, traumatic diseases, carbuncle, and ulcer. It can also be used for treatment of thermal burn by external application. It is utilized as raw material or after processing.

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  1. Lebensmittelchemie und Umwelttoxikologie, Universität Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße, D-6750, Kaiserslautern, Germany

    Professor Dr. Weici Tang & Professor Dr. Gerhard Eisenbrand

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Tang, W., Eisenbrand, G. (1992). Rheum spp.. In: Chinese Drugs of Plant Origin. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73739-8_107

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73739-8_107

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