SupplementModerate evidenceImmunity

Rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum / officinale)

EMA-monograph Chinese-medicine root for short-term constipation, same hydroxyanthracene class as senna and cascara.

Why

Medicinal rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum or R. officinale, distinct from culinary garden rhubarb R. rhabarbarum) holds an EMA HMPC Traditional Use monograph for short-term occasional constipation. Used in TCM as Da Huang for many centuries; the same hydroxyanthracene mechanism as senna. Astringent tannins give it a 'dual' action, stimulant at high doses, mildly astringent at low doses.

How it works

Anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides, rhein, emodin) are hydrolysed in the colon to active aglycones with stimulant laxative effect. Tannin content provides paradoxical low-dose astringent effect.

Expected onset · 8–12 hours after a single dose

How to take

Dosage

Standardised to deliver 15–30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives at bedtime. Limit to 1–2 weeks continuous use.

Timing

Bedtime, effect 8–12 hours later

On the label

Medicinal rhubarb (Rheum palmatum or R. officinale) is distinct from culinary garden rhubarb. EMA-registered traditional medicinal products comply.

Ideal for

Adults with short-term occasional constipation; not for chronic use.

Safety

Same hydroxyanthracene class precautions as senna and cascara. Avoid in intestinal obstruction, undiagnosed abdominal pain, IBD, children, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Oxalate content. Caution in oxalate kidney stones. EFSA hydroxyanthracene safety opinion flagged genotoxicity at high cumulative doses, supports short-term use only.

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Evidence

At a glance

EMA classifies medicinal rhubarb root at Traditional Use for short-term occasional constipation. Same hydroxyanthracene safety profile as senna and cascara.

Where to get it

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