Rhei radix
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Medicinal preparation of the roots and rhizomes of Rheum officinale (syn.: Rheum palmatum)
HMPC monograph: Well-established use: Internally: short-term treatment for occasional constipation
ESCOP monograph: short-term treatment for occasional constipation.
Commission e-monograph: forconstipation.
Proven and approved by clinical data: externally as a brushing for inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa.
Empirical medicine: to soften the stool, e.g. in anal fissures, before rectal-anal operations, also in low doses for gastrointestinal catarrh.
IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.
Active 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 aglycans: Rhine with its prodrug diacerein, rheumatism emodin, aloe emodin (see Emodine below). Furthermore catechin tanning agents (see below tanning agents), pectins and flavonoids.
EffectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Laxative, secretagogue, hydragogue, antiresorptive, inhibition of propulsive contractions, astringent.
Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
According to Commission E: for short-term treatment of constipation.
DosageThis section has been translated automatically.
Ready-to-use preparations are to be preferred; the application period should be limited to a maximum of 1-2 weeks.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
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!!!
ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.
(see information on commercial products); ileus of any kind, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. Children < 12 years, pregnancy and lactation (lack of sufficient toxicological and clinical data)
InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.
Enhancement of the effect of digitalis with prolonged use. Increased potassium loss with simultaneous administration of diuretics, adrenocortical hormones or licorice root!
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Ammon HTP (2014) Hunnius pharmaceutical dictionary. Walter de Gruyter GmbH Berlin,Boston pp.1546-1547.
- Schilcher H (2016) Guide to phytotherapy. Urban & Fischer Munich p.264-266
- 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
- https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/rhabarber.php
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/rhei-radix#overview-section
- Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 178-179