Pharmacological effects of Rheum emodi: A multiple purpose plant in health and disease

Abstract

Rheum emodi (Polygonaceae) is also known as Himalayan or Indian Rhubarb. It
has been used in traditional system of medicine as a diuretic, tonic, laxative and also used to
manage pyrexia, menstrual disorders, indigestion and cough since antiquity. This article
comprises of pharmacological studies, chemical properties, folk- floric uses and
ethnobotany of Rheum emodi. The material was obtained from books and journals via
electronic and library search. The most important ingredients of Rheum emodi are
resveratrol, picetannol, stilbene, physcion, emodin, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, and rhein.
Studies have indicated that Rheum emodi possesses nephroprotective, immune enhancing,
hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, spasmolytic, antiviral, cathartic, anti-hyperglycemic,
antihyperlipidemic, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplatelet
and anticancer activities. Further study to explore the medicinal potential of this plant may
lead to the development of novel drugs for numerous disorders. This review concluded that
Rheum emodi requires proper evaluation to establish its therapeutic role in modern
medicine.