Rhubarb Root, cultivated in China, has an illustrious history of inclusion in many laxative preparations. It is generally considered a mild laxative that produces a soft stool 6-10 hours after ingestion. Rhubarb is especially well suited for children since it is very mild in action.Rhubarb Root is both laxative and astringent dependent on dosage given, Rhubarb Root has a purgative action for use in the treatment of constipation, but also has an astringent effect following this. It therefore has a truly cleansing action upon the gut, removing debris and then astringing with antiseptic properties as well.
Functions: Eliminates stagnant food by purgation, clears away fire to purge it, arrests bleeding, removes toxic substances and promotes blood circulation by removing blood stasis. Rhubarb has a long and proven history of herbal usage, its main effect being a positive and balancing effect upon the whole digestive system. It is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese medicine.
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Basic Instruction
Rhubarb,More than laxative or astringent,Rhubarb Elixir and natural Anthraquinone source...
Latin: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
English Name: Rhubarb Root
Botanical Name: Rheum palmatum (also known as Rheum officinale and Rheum tanguticum )
Botanical Source:Rheum palmatum L.(Zhang Ye Da Huang);Rheum.tanguticum Maxim.ex Balf.(Tang Gu Te Da Huang);Rheum.officinale Baill.(Yao Yong Da Huang)
Plant Family: Polygonaceae
Common name: Chinese Rhubarb, Da Huang (Mandarin), East India Rhubarb, Rhubarb Root,Kui Ye Da Huang,Bei Da Huang,TianShui Da Huang.Jiang Jun,General.
Medicinal Parts Used: Root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum and other species mentioned above, not the garden rhubarb.
Origin:
The root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum L. (sorrel rhubarb), Rheum tanguticum Maxim. et Balf. (Tangut rhubarb) or Rheum officinale Baill. (medicinal rhubarb), a perennial herb, of the Polygonaceae family.
Rhubarb refers to any of several species of the genus Rheum. Rhubarb is best adapted to the cooler parts of the temperate zones. The perennial grows to about 2 m by 0.8 m. It is in flower from June to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by wind. The plant requires well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
The plant's fleshy, tart, and highly acid leafstalks are used in pies, often with strawberries, in compotes and preserves, and sometimes as the base of a wine or an aperitif. The roots withstand cold well, although the tops are killed in autumn.
The rhubarb's leaves contain a toxic substance called oxalic acid and are usually not eaten, except in certain areas of the Himalayas, where they may be cooked and consumed.
The species of this page is native to east Asia, and is grown in China. In China, the sorrel rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) and Tangut rhubarb (Rheum tanguticum) are called northern rhubarb and mainly produced in the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu,SiChuan,Tibetan etc., while medicinal rhubarb is called southern rhubarb and mainly produced in Sichuan,Hubei,Yunnan,Guizhou province.
The herb is harvested when the stems and leaves wither at the end of autumn or when the sprouts come out the following spring. Fibrous roots are removed from the root, then peeled, cut into pieces and dried for use when raw or after being parched with wine, steamed with wine or charred.
Constituents of Rhubarb Root:
Anthraquinone derivatives such as chrysophanic acid (=chrysophanol),emodin, aloe-emodin, rhein & physcion, with their O-glycosides such asglucorhein, chrysophanein, glucoemodin; sennosides A-E, reidin C &others.
Tannins; in Chinese Rhubarb: d-catechin and epicatechin gallate, withvarious cinnamoyl and coumaroyl golloyl glucosides and fructoses.
Stilbene derivatives; related stilbene glycosides present in other types Miscellaneous; volatile oil, containing diisobutyl phthalate, cinnamic and ferulic acids; rutin, fatty acids, calcium oxalate etc.
Phytochemicals:Sennosidea, SA; Rhein; Emodin, III, IV, V; Aloe-emodin, III, IV; Rheum qinlingense; Chrysophanol, I; Physcione, II; Rheum hotaoense; beta-sitosterol, I, III; Rhapontigenin, II; Gallic acid, III; Daucosterol, V; Rhein-8-O-b-D-glucoside, R8G; Rheinoside A (RA), C(RC), D(RD); Chrysophanol 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, V; Physcione 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, VI; Aloe-emodin 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, VII; Emodin 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, VIII; Piceatannol-3'-O-beta-D-glucopyrano (rheumin); Chrysophanol 8-O-beta-D-(6'-O-malonyl) glucopyranoside, X; 3-(3', 5'-dihydroxyltrans-cinnamoyl)-5-hydroxyl-D-a-pyranone, IV.(
Inorganic Chemicals:Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn.
Note of Main Constituents:
Chrysophanic Acid:
Synonyms:Chrysophanol;1,8-Dihydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone;9,10-Anthracenedione,1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-;Chrysophanic acid;Chrysophanol;C.I. 75400;C.I. Natural Yellow 23;1,8-Dihydroxy-3-methyl-9,10-anthracenedione;3-Methylchrysazin;turkey rhubarb.
Chemical Name:Anthraquinone,1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-
Molecular Formula.M.F.:C15H10O4 Molecular Weight.M.W.254.24 CAS RN.:481-74-3 Einecs RN.:207-572-2 RTECS :CB6725000 Note:Mutagen
Melting Point:194~198 Deg C. Water Solubility:<0.1 g/100 ml at 18 Deg C.
Emodin:
Synonyms:1,3,8-Trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone;6-Methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone;C.I.75440;C.I.Natural Yellow 14;9,10-Anthracenedione,1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-;Anthraquinone,1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-;Emodin;Emodol;Frangula emodin;6-Methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone;Persian Berry Lake;rheum emodin;Schuttgelb;1,3,8-Trihydroxy-6-methyl-9,10-anthracenedione.
Chemical Name:Anthraquinone,6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxy-
Molecular Formula.M.F.:C15H10O5 Molecular Weight.M.W.270.24 CAS RN.:518-82-1 Einecs RN.:208-258-8 Beilstein RN:1888141.Reference:4-08-00-03575(Beilstein Handbook Reference) Note:Tumorigen,Mutagen.
Melting Point:253~257 Deg C. Water Solubility:<0.1 g/100 ml at 19 Deg C.
Rhein:
Synonyms:4,5-Dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid;1,8-Dihydroxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone;9,10-Dihydro-4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-2-anthracenecarboxylic acid;Rhubarb yellow;Cassic acid;2-Anthroic acid,9,10-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-;Chrysazin-3-carboxylic acid;9,10-Dihydro-4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-2-anthracenecarboxylic acid;Monorhein;Rheic acid;Rhubarb Yellow.
Chemical Name:2-Anthracenecarboxylic acid,9,10-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-
Molecular Formula.M.F.:C15H8O6 Molecular Weight.M.W.284.22 CAS RN.:478-43-3 Einecs RN.:207-521-4 Beilstein RN.:2222155.Reference:4-10-00-04088(Beilstein Handbook Reference)
Melting Point:321~322 Deg C. Water Solubility:<0.1 g/100 ml at 17 Deg C.
Aloe-emodin:
Synonyms:1,8-Dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)anthraquinone;9,10-Anthracenedione,1,8-dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-;1,8-Dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-9-10-anthracenedione;3-Hydroxymethylchrysazin;Rhabarberone.
Chemical Name:Anthraquinone,1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-
Molecular Formula.M.F.:C15H10O5 Molecular Weight.M.W.270.24 CAS RN.:481-72-1 Einecs RN.:207-571-7 RTECS No.CB6712200 Beilstein RN.2059062.Reference:4-08-00-03578(Beilstein Handbook Reference) Note: Mutagen.
Physcion:
Synonyms:1,8-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone;Emodin-3-methyl ether;9,10-Anthracenedione,1,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methyl-;1,8-Dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methyl-9,10-anthracenedione;1,8-Dihydroxy-3-methyl-6-methoxy-9,10-anthracenedione;Parietin;Physcion;Rheochrysidin.
Chemical Name:Anthraquinone,1,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methyl-
Molecular Formula.M.F.:C16H12O5 Molecular Weight.M.W.284.27 CAS RN.:521-61-9 Einecs RN.:208-315-7 RTECS No.CB672000 Beilstein RN.1915778.Reference:4-08-00-03575(Beilstein Handbook Reference) Note:Mutagen.
Differentiation between anthraquinones:Cascara Sagrada or Rhubarb
The A-factors (anthraquinones) of this herb differ somewhat from those of Cascara Sagrada - only some of them reach the large intestines intact,
While others are re-absorbed in the small intestine, and later released into the large intestine.
The timing of the absorption of Rhubarb is thus displaced to some degree from other popular laxative agents, thereby promoting longer and smoother activity of the whole.
It should be noted that consumption of Rhubarb Root may color the urine yellow or red, but this is not concerning.
Rhubarb Root:laxative or astringent
Rhubarb Root as mild laxative:
Rhubarb Root is both laxative and astringent dependent on dosage given
As a laxative for constipation:higher end of dosage range: In large amounts, Rhubarb Root is used for relief from constipation, whereas small amounts of the herb are used for diarrhea.
As an astringent for diarrhea:lower end of dosage range
Gastrointestinal Conditions:abdominal pain,atonic dyspepsia,bacillary dysentery,constipation,diarrhea caused by an irritating body in the intestines,dysentery,enteritis,gastrointestinal hemorrhage
Increases the flow of saliva (when chewed)
Stimulates appetite and digestion (cold extract in small doses)
Torpor and debility of the digestive organs (in small doses)
It is also used to treat internal pinworms and threadworms.
This herb has also been used topically as a poultice or compress for boils, burns, carbuncles and wounds, and as a mouthwash for cold sores.
Juice from the fresh root is even used to polish brass due to its natural acidic content.
Rhubarb Root, cultivated in China and Tibet, has an illustrious history of inclusion in many laxative preparations.
It is generally considered a mild laxative that produces a soft stool 6-10 hours after ingestion. Rhubarb is especially well suited for children since it is very mild in action.
Rhubarb Root:Pharmacology
Antibacterial effects: In-vitro experiments show that Da Huang processed by various methods invariably has an inhibitory effect on the following bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, Typhoid bacillus, Bacillus paratyphosus, Beta hemolytic streptococcus, Neisseria cararrhalis, and anaerobic bacteria.
Effects on tumor necrosis factors and phospholipase A2: Da Huang can significantly ameliorate the low blood pressure condition in rats caused by intestinal ischemic-reperfusion. It can also noticeably inhibit reperfusion-induced increase in the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), intestinal ischemia and reperfusion-induced early-stage increase in plasma and lung tissue tumor necrosis factors, and intestinal ischemia and reperfusion-induced increase in phospholipase A2 activity in the serum, lung, and small intestine tissue.
Effects on lipid metabolic disorders: Experiments show that Da Huang can significantly ameliorate lipid metabolic disorders in rats of chronic renal deficiency due to seven-eighth kidney removal.
Effects on gastrointestinal mucous membrane blood perfusion: Da Huang can increase gastrointestinal mucous membrane blood perfusion in rats in hemorrhagic shock and in patients who are critically ill.
Effects on the release of endogenous nitrogen oxide in rats with lung damage due to intestinal ischemia and reperfusion: Da Huang can significantly ameliorate small intestine ischemia and reperfusion-induced low blood pressure condition in rats, inhibiting the release of endogenous nitrogen oxide in the plasma, lung, and small intestine tissue, and lowering the permeability of pulmonary capillaries.
Effects on the external matrix of glomerulus cells: Experiments show that in rats of hyperplastic glomerular nephritis, Da Huang can significantly inhibit the expansion of mesangium.
Effects on blood platelet aggregation and the rheology of red blood cells: Fed to rats, Da Huang can noticeably inhibit blood platelet aggregation, and decrease red blood cells' ability to cluster.
Suppressing liver lipid peroxide: Experiments show that both water and alcohol-based extracts of Da Huang have a significant suppressive effect on the formation of lipid peroxide in isolated mouse liver.
Anti-aging effects: Experiments show that Da Huang decoction at different concentration levels invariably increases the activity of SOD, GSH-Px in the blood of mice, and lowers the level of LPO. This effect of Da Huang appears to be dose-dependent.
Antiviral effects: Alcohol-based extract of Da Huang has a significant antiviral effect on Hela, hep-2, PRK, and BHK21. On herpes simplex virus and varicellu-zoster virus, the effective concentration for suppression is 100mg/L. And on rubella virus Gos-10 and JR23, the effective concentration levels are 10,000mg/L and 5,000mg/L, respectively. Alcohol-based extract of Da Huang can also prevent viral infection and directly kill virus.
Enhancing immunity: Administered to mice by either peritoneal perfusion or nasal inhaling, the emulsion of Da Huang volatile oil can significantly enhance 2, 4-dinitro chlorobenzene-induced delayed skin hypersensitivity reaction and phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation reaction in mice. It can also increase the phagocytosis capacity of mice's abdominal macrophage.
Effects on intestinal mucous membrane barrier: Da Huang can ameliorate endotoxin-induced low blood pressure and endotoxin-induced increase in intestinal wall blood vessel permeability, inhibit intestinal bacteria and viruses from entering blood circulation, maintain transmucosal electric potential difference, and keep intestinal mucous membrane barrier intact.
Effects on the secretory function of pulmonary alveoli macrophagocytes: In-vitro experiments show that Da Huang can significantly suppress endotoxin-induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by pulmonary alveoli macrophagocytes, thus decreasing lung damages caused by the excessive secretion of TNF-a, IL-1, and IL-6.
Effects on inflammatory media: Da Huang has a significant preventive and therapeutic effect on the inflammatory reaction in rats in endotoxic shock.
Counteracting hepatitis B virus (HBV): The median toxic concentration of Da Huang volatile oil against cells is greater than 0.125g/L. When the concentration is below 0.0625g/L, 90% of the cells can survive. Da Huang volatile oil¡¯s maximum inhibition rate against HbsAg and HbeAg are 70.71 ¡À 5.4% and 30.99 ¡À 5.3%, respectively, indicating that Da Huang volatile oil can inhibit HBV externally.
Indications and recommend Uses:
Properties: Bitter in flavor, cold in nature, it is related to the spleen, stomach, large intestine, liver and heart channels.
Functions: Eliminates stagnant food by purgation, clears away fire to purge it, arrests bleeding, removes toxic substances and promotes blood circulation by removing blood stasis. Rhubarb has a long and proven history of herbal usage, its main effect being a positive and balancing effect upon the whole digestive system. It is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese medicine.
Rhubarb Root has a purgative action for use in the treatment of constipation, but also has an astringent effect following this. It therefore has a truly cleansing action upon the gut, removing debris and then astringing with antiseptic properties as well. Note: Rhubarb Root may color the urine yellow or red. Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "mild stimulating tonic to alimentary mucous membrane, liver and gall ducts -removes viscid mucus. Small doses - tonic hepatic. Large doses - cathartic."They give the following specific indications: diarrhoea and dysentary, summer diarrhoea, functional dyspepsia.
Atonicconditions of the bowels, with debility or general relaxation, wether diarrhoea, dysentary, choleramorbus, cholera infantum.
Gastricirritation, nausea, vomiting, elongated tongue reddened at tip and edges; irritative diarrhoea with tenderness on pressure; sour smelling discharges imparting to a child a sour odour; gastro-intestinal irritation with nervous irritability, restlessness, screaming and convulsive muscular contractions; constipation, with a sense of intestinal constriction and abdominal contraction; light-coloured fecal discharge
Classical Note:
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing :"To treat chills and cold due to obstruction of blood circulation, masses in the abdomen and stagnation of food and drink."..."Removing blood stasis, washing the stomach and intestines, weeding through the old to let the new grow, promoting circulation of essential substances from foodstuffs, regulating the spleen and stomach to promote digestion and tranquilizing the internal organs."
The Compendium of Materia Medica :"To treat diarrhea with blood and mucus, abdominal pain with tenesmus, dribbling urination, heat of the excess type with accumulation of dryness, tidal fever with delirium, jaundice and burns."
The Definitions of Drugs :"Rhubarb has such a heavily turbid smell that it goes straight down without stopping, so it can expel toxic substances easily.""...Distention and fullness in the chest and abdomen, heat accumulation in the chest and stomach, abdominal accumulation of phlegm of the excess type, constipation with blood stasis and amenorrhea."
1. To treat constipation and food stagnation in the stomach and intestines:
(A) Constipation and food stagnation in the stomach and intestines: Use it with mirabilite, immature citron or trifoliate orange (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) and official magnolia bark, e.g., Da Chengqi Tang in order to strengthen the effects of relieving constipation by purgation and expelling pathogenic heat.
(B) Excess syndrome in the interior with the accumulation of heat, accompanied by deficiency of both qi and blood or by loss of body fluids due to yin deficiency: Use it with herbs for the nourishment of qi and blood or for the replenishment of yin to promote the production of body fluid.
(C) Constipation due to cold stagnation of food as a result of insufficiency of spleen-yang: Use it with herbs for the warming of the interior, such as monkshood root (Radix Aconiti Praeparata), dried ginger, etc., e.g., Weipi Tang.
(D) Initial attacks of dysentery due to damp-heat and abdominal pain with tenesmus (a distressing but ineffectual urge to evacuate the rectum or bladder) : Use it with Chinese goldthread rhizome (Rhizoma Coptidis), aucklandia root, etc., in order to clear stagnated food in the large intestine.
(E) Abdominal pain due to stagnation of food and diarrhea without smooth defecation: Use it with dried green orange peel, aucklandia root, etc., in order to purge stagnant food to remove stagnancy.
2. To treat hematemesis, epistaxis and hemoptysis due to blood heat and ailments caused by flaming-up of pathogenic fire such as conjunctivitis, sore throat, gingivitis, etc.:
Use it with Chinese goldthread rhizome (Rhizoma Coptidis) and skullcap root (Radix Scutellariae), e.g., Xiexin Tang. In modern clinical treatment of bleeding of the digestive tract, rhubarb powder alone has quite good curative effects .
3. To treat skin and external diseases due to toxic heat and burns and scalds:
(A) Carbuncles and furuncles due to toxic heat: Use it with honeysuckle flower (Flos Lonicerae), dandelion (Herba Taraxaci), weeping forsythia fruit (Fructus Forsythiae), etc. As this herb can clear away toxic heat and subdue swelling, it can be used externally by being ground into powder and mixed with honey for the application onto the affected part.
(B) Abdominal pain: Use it with tree peony root-bark, peach kernels, etc., e.g., Dahuang Mudan Tang.
(C) Aphthae of the mouth and tongue: Ground it with dried alum into powder and applied onto the affected part.
(D) Scalds and burns: Its powder can be used alone or in combination with garden burnet root (Radix Sanguisorbae) powder and mixed with sesame oil for application onto the affected part.
4. To treat syndromes of blood stasis: This herb has a better effect on promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis, so it is a common herb for the treatment of blood stasis syndromes.
(A) Postpartum abdominal pain due to stasis and obstruction with unexpelled lochia: Use it with peach kernels, ground beetle, etc., e.g., Xia Yuxue Tang.
(B) Dysmenorrhea due to blood stasis: Use it with safflower, Chinese angelica, etc.
(C) Traumatic injuries with blood stasis, swelling and pain: Use it with peach kernels, safflower, pangolin scale, etc., e.g., Fuyuan Huoxue Tang.
5. To treat ailments due to damp-heat, such as jaundice, strangury, etc.:
(A) Jaundice due to damp-heat: Use it with capillary artemisia (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae) and cape jasmine fruit (Fructus Gardeniae), e.g., Yinchen Hao Tang.
(B) Strangury due to damp-heat: Use it with five-leaf akebia stem (Caulis Akebiae), Asian plantain seed (Semen Plantaginis), cape jasmine fruit (Fructus Gardeniae), etc., e.g., Bazheng San.
Warnings: This product is not recommended during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding as it can loosen the infant's bowels. Do not use when the colon is already empty or the astringent properties may cause colon discomfort. Using Rhubarb Root may temporarily cause the urine to appear yellow or red, but this is a common occurrence and no cause for alarm.
Dosage: Decoction: put l/2 - l teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer gently for l0 minutes.This should be drunk morning and evening. Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture three times a day.
3-12 g. Decoct the herb and the other ingredients for drinking. Use an adequate amount externally. Raw rhubarb has considerable purgative power, so it is suitable to be used when raw for catharsis. It should be decocted later when it is included in a decoction or it can be soaked in boiled water for oral administration.Its purgative power will be weakened if it is decocted for a long time. Rhubarb prepared with wine has a weaker purgative power, but it has a better effect on promoting blood circulation, so it is suitable for use to promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis. Charred rhubarb is mostly used for bleeding syndromes.
Preparations: Exercise caution when administering Da Huang to patients of spleen and stomach deficiencies, of qi and blood insufficiencies, or to pre-fetal and postpartum women, or women in menstruation or lactation.Reported adverse effects include nebula, intestinal melanosis, allergic purpura, and bullous eruption in new-born babies.
Cautions: aggravates tendency towards chronic constipation if used over a long time,should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women ,the leaf blades should not be used as they contain enough oxalic acid to cause poisoning.
As this herb is so bitter and cold as to be liable to impair stomach-qi, it should be used carefully by those deficient in spleen-yang. Since it is sinking and lowering in properties and good at promoting blood circulation by removing blood stasis, it should be avoided by women during pregnancy, menstruation or lactation.
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some if not all members of this genus contain significant quantities of oxalic acid and should not be eaten in any quantity. Oxalic acid can lock up certain minerals in the body, especially calcium, leading to nutritional deficiency. The content of oxalic acid will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.
Safety and Toxicity:
Toxicity of Rhubarb Root Extract:
No deaths occurred within 72 hours of administering alcohol-based extract of Da Huang to mice by abdominal injection at 40g/kg; the same was true within 72 hours of administering Da Huang decoction to rats by oral feeding at 30g/kg.Reference: Wu Lian Ying, et al. Traditional Chinese Medicine Bulletin. 1985;10(6):18-21.
LD50 (mice/oral/herb decoction): 153.5 ¡À 4.5g/kg.Reference: Liu Xian Fang, et al. Journal of Integrated Medicine. 1985;5(11):691.
Toxicity of Chrysophanic Acid:
Mutagenic Data:Chrysophanic AcidMutation in microorganisms:Bacteria-Salmonella typhimurium.100 ug/plate.Reference:MUREAV Mutation Research.(Elsevier Science Pub.B.V.,POB 211,1000 AE Amsterdam,Netherlands)V.1-1964-Volume(issue)/page/year:40,203,1976. Mutation in microorganisms:Bacteria-Salmonella typhimurium.500 ug/plate.Reference:BCSTB5 Biochemical Society Transactions.(Biochemical Soc.Book Depot,POB 32,Commerce Way,Colchester,Essex CO2 8HP,UK)V.1-1973-Volume(issue)/page/year:5,1489,1977.
Toxicity of Emodin:
Acute Toxicity:EmodinLD50-Lethal dose,50 percent kill.Intraperitoneal.Rodent mouse.35 mg/kg.Toxic Effects:Gastrointestinal-other changes.Reference:JAFCAU Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.(American Chemical Soc.,Distribution Office Dept.223,POB 57136,West End Stn.,Washington,DC 20037)V.1-1953-Volume(issue)/page/year:27,1342,1979
Mutagenic Data:Emodin
Mutation in microorganisms.Bacteria-Salmonella typhimurium.50 ug/plate.Reference:BCSTB5 Biochemical Society Transactions.(Biochemical Soc.Book Depot,POB 32,Commerce Way,Colchester,Essex CO2 8HP,UK)V.1-1973-Volume(issue)/page/year:5,1489,1977.
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988,Negative:B subtilis rec assay.
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988,Inconclusive:E coli polA without S9.
NTP Carcinogenesis studies: on test (two year studies),October 1997.
Toxicity of Rhein:
Acute Toxicity:RheinLD50-Lethal dose,50 percent kill.Oral.Rodent-mouse.>5 gm(5000 mgs)/kg.Details of toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value.PHTOEH Pharmacology and Toxicology(Copenhagen).(Munksgaard International Pub.,POB 2148,DK-1016 Copenhagen K,Denmark)V.60-1987-Volume(issue)/page/year: 61,153,1987
LD50-Lethal dose,50 percent kill.Intravenous.Rodent-mouse.>25 mg/kg.Details of toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value.Reference:PHTOEH Pharmacology and Toxicology(Copenhagen).(Munksgaard International Pub.,POB 2148,DK-1016 Copenhagen K,Denmark)V.60-1987-Volume(issue)/page/year: 61,153,1987
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988,Weekly Postive:Histidine reversion-Ames test.
Toxicity of Physcion:
Acute Toxicity:PhyscionLD50-Lethal dose,50 percent kill.Intraperitoneal.Rodent-mouse.10mg/kg.Gastrointestinal-other changes.Reference:JAFCAU Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.(American Chemical Soc.,Distribution Office Dept.223,POB 57136,West End Stn.,Washington,DC 20037)V.1-1953-Volume(issue)/page/year:27,1342,1979
Mutagenic Data:Physcion
Mutation in microorganisms.Bacteria-Salmonella typhimurium.100 ug/plate.Reference:JAFCAU Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.(American Chemical Soc.,Distribution Office Dept.223,POB 57136,West End Stn.,Washington,DC 20037)V.1-1953-Volume(issue)/page/year:27,1342,1979.
Data in USA:Physcion
EPA GENETOX PROGRAM 1988,Positive:Histidine reversion-Ames test.
Archeology: Rhubarb and Elixir
Elixir Tea:
Psyllium Seed 3 parts
Licorice Root 3 parts
Rhubarb Root 2 parts
Senna Pods (crushed) 2 parts
Angelica Root 2 parts
Drink as a simple infusion in evening.
Colon Tonic (Modified Thomsonian):
Cascara Sagrada 2 parts
Oregon Grape 2 parts
Cayenne 1 part
Ginger Root 1 part
Lobelia 1 part
Rhubarb Root 1 pt.
Stimulates peristalsis for chronic constipation of long duration. 2 "00" capswith water, morning and evening. When feces soften up go to 1 capsule twice a day
Neutralizing Cordial(Modified):
Rhubarb Tincture 80 ml
Cinnamon Tincture 64 ml
Hydrastis Tincture 40 ml
Spirit of Peppermint 8 ml
Potassium carbonate 16 grams
Simple Syrup 250 ml
Diluted alcohol (50%) 550 ml
Step 1. Dissolve 16 grams of potassium carbonate in 250 ml Simple Syrup
Step 2. Mix the tinctures, spirit and diluted alcohol.
Step 3. Mix both liquids, stirring or blending until KCO3 is dissolved.
Step 4. Add additional diluted alcohol to the total (if necessary) to bring the
total volume to 1000 ml.
Use a teaspoon or two for nausea, gas pains, dyspepsia, tenesmus, diarrhea AND constipation. An elegant pharmaceutical that may be the single closest thing to auniversal GI tonic. Unfortunately it is no longer made by any American manufacturer.
Elixir OF Rhubarb:
Fluid extract of rhubarb, 2 fluidounces.
Simple elixir, 14 fluidounces.
Carbonate of magnesium, a sufficient quantity.
Triturate the fluid extract of rhubarb in a capacious mortar with carbonate of magnesium in amount sufficient to form a creamy mixture, then gradually add thesimple elixir, stirring well, and filter. Each fluidrachm of the finished elixirrepresents seven and one-half minims of fluid extract of rhubarb.
Compound Elixir OF Rhubarb:
Rhubarb, 20 troyounces.
Cloves, 8 troyounces.
Saffron, 8 troyounces.
Nutmeg, 20 troyounces.
Ether, 10 fluidounces.
Sherry wine, 200 fluidounces.
Diluted alcohol, 20 fluidounces.
Mix the drugs and reduce them to a coarse powder, and macerate this in the mixedalcohol and wine for fourteen days, stirring the mixture thoroughly each day; then filter,and add the ether. This elixir is recommended as a vehicle for disguising the taste ofcastor oil, and was introduced by Mr. Bidone Carlo, who states that one part of thiselixir will remove the taste and odor from three parts of castor oil. It was named"elixir of rhubarb," but to avoid confusion with the regular and simple elixirof rhubarb we have added the word compound. (See New Remedies, 1880.)
Elixir OF Rhubarb and Columbo:
Elixir of rhubarb, 5 fluidounces.
Elixir of columbo, 5 fluidounces.
Simple elixir, 6 fluidounces.
Mix them together. Each fluidrachm of the finished elixir represents about two minimseach of fluid extract of rhubarb and fluid extract of columbo.
Elixir OF Rhubarb and Magnesia.(Elixir OF Rhubarb and Magnesium Sulphate):
Fluid extract of rhubarb, 4 fluidounces.
Sulphate of magnesium, 1024 grains.
Simple elixir, 32 fluidounces.
Carbonate of magnesium, a sufficient quantity.
Triturate the fluid extract of rhubarb with carbonate of magnesium until of a creamyconsistence, then gradually add the simple elixir, in which the sulphate of magnesium hasbeen previously dissolved; permit the mixture to remain for a few hours in a closedvessel, then filter. Each fluidrachm contains seven and one half minims of fluid extractof rhubarb and eight grains of sulphate of magnesium. Under the name elixir of rhubarb andmagnesia this elixir was noticed in New Remedies, 1877. Among the formulae introduced by Mr. G. W. Gardner to the American Pharmaceutical Association at its meeting in Saratogawas an "elixir of rhubarb and magnesium acetate."
Scientific References:
1.Elixirsand Flavoring Extracts:Their History, Formulae, & Methods of Preparation (John UriLloyd.1892)
2.Rhubarb,More than laxative or astringent,Rhubarb Elixir and natural Anthraquinone source...
Claims & Warning:
Claims: Information this web site presented is meant for Nutritional Benefit and as an educational starting point only, for use in maintenance and promotion good health in cooperation with a common knowledge base reference...Furthermore,it based solely on the traditional and historic use or legend of a given herb from the garden of Adonis. Although every effort has been made to ensure its accurate, please note that some info may be outdated by more recent scientific developments......
Pharmakon Warning: The order of knowledge is not the transparent order of forms and ideas,as one might be tempted retrospectively to interpret it; it is the antidote....(Dissemination,Plato's Pharmacy,II.The Ingredients:Phantasms,Festivals,and Paints;138cf. Jacques Derrida.).
And as it happens,the technique of imitation,along with the production of the simulacrum,has always been in Plato's eyes manifestly magical,thaumaturgical:......and the same things appear bent and straight to those who view them in water and out,or concave and convex,owing to similar errors of vision about colors, and there is obviously every confusion of this sort in our souls.And so scene painting (skiagraphia) in its exploitation of this weakness of four nature falls nothing short of witchcraft (thaumatopoia), and so do jugglery and many other such contrivances.(Republic X,602c-d;cf.also 607c).