Rhei radix

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 21.01.2025

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Synonym(s)

Rhubarb Root

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IngredientsThis section has been translated automatically.

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.

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 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)

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!

Trade namesThis section has been translated automatically.

Pyralvex® Lsg (stomatic agent)

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Ammon HTP (2014) Hunnius Pharmaceutical Dictionary. Walter de Gruyter GmbH Berlin,Boston pp.1546-1547
  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
  6. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 178-179

  7. Blaschek W (2015) Wichtl tea drugs and phytopharmaceuticals. A handbook for practice. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Munich. S 550-553

Authors

Last updated on: 21.01.2025

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles