Rhei radix

Ingredients with a laxative effect are anthracene derivatives (3-12%), especially anthraquinone glycosides and dianthrone glycosides (e.g. sennoside A-F) as well as their aglycones: rhein with its prodrug diacerein, rheum-emodin, aloe-emodin (see emodins below). Furthermore catechin tannins (see tannins below), pectins and flavonoids.

Laxative, secretagogue, hydragogue, antiresorptive, inhibition of propulsive contractions, astringent.

According to Commission E: for short-term treatment of constipation.

Ready-to-use preparations are to be preferred; the application period should be limited to a maximum of 1-2 weeks.

Higher dosage may cause colicky abdominal pain, long-term use may cause albuminuria, electrolyte disturbances, hypokalemia, muscle weakness, pigment deposits in the intestinal mucosa.

Cave: Digitalis sensitivity increased!!!

(see details of the commercial preparations); ileus of any genesis, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis. Children < 10 years, pregnancy and lactation (lack of sufficient toxicological and clinical data)

Enhancement of the effect of digitalis with prolonged use. Increased potassium loss with simultaneous administration of diuretics, adrenocortical hormones or licorice root!

^Pyralvex® Lsg (stomatic agent)

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2. Schilcher H (2016) Guide to phytotherapy. Urban & Fischer Munich pp.264-266
3. Zhou Z (1989) Application and mechanism of radix et rhizoma rhei in treating diseases of the digestive system. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 14:501-503
4. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/rhabarber.php
5. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/rhei-radix#overview-section
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7. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 550-553