Rheum palmatum

Rheum palmatum, “Chinese rhubarb” in English and “Rhubarbe de Chine” in French, belongs to the Polygonaceae botanical family.

Native to north-western China and Tibet, his herb can reach a height of 2 m and more than 1,5 m width.

It thrives on humiferous and moist soils in slopes and valleys and is often cultivated as a garden ornamental.

It is not edible, the leaves containing high levels of oxalic acid.

As a drug, Rheum palmatum root is mainly used as a laxative, but also as an astringent and stomachic, depending on the dose.

Its main consistuents are hydroxyanthracene derivatives, anthraquinone glycosides, dianthrone glycosides and chromone glucosides, tannins and flavonoids.

• English name Rhubarb
• French name Rhubarbe