Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Rhubarb
For the health condition: Blood in Stool

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for treating gastrointestinal conditions, including bleeding in the stool (hematochezia). According to historical texts and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, Chinese Rhubarb is used to clear heat, purge accumulation, and cool the blood, which is thought to help stop bleeding in the lower digestive tract. Classic TCM sources such as the “Shennong Bencao Jing” and subsequent herbal compendiums mention its use for “blood in the stool” and related symptoms, often in combination with other herbs.

However, scientific validation for its effectiveness and safety in treating blood in stool is limited. Some modern pharmacological studies have identified that anthraquinone compounds in Chinese Rhubarb possess anti-inflammatory and hemostatic (bleeding-stopping) properties, but these studies are preliminary and usually not specific to the clinical scenario of blood in stool. Clinical trials in humans directly investigating its efficacy for this condition are lacking.

Therefore, while there is a long history of traditional use for this indication, the evidence is not robust by modern scientific standards. The rating of 2 reflects that there is some traditional precedent and limited pharmacological rationale, but insufficient clinical research to strongly support its use for blood in stool.

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