Evidence supporting the use of: Rhubarb (unspecified)
For the health condition: Blood in Stool

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Rhubarb (Rheum spp.) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for gastrointestinal complaints, including various forms of bleeding in the stool, such as hematochezia (fresh blood) or melena (digested blood). In TCM, rhubarb is considered a "blood cooling" and purgative herb, and formulations containing rhubarb are used to "clear heat" and "remove toxins" from the intestines, which are sometimes interpreted as treatments for blood in the stool associated with conditions like hemorrhoids, dysentery, or gastrointestinal inflammation. However, modern scientific studies specifically evaluating the efficacy and safety of rhubarb for treating blood in stool are sparse and generally of low quality. Some animal and preliminary clinical studies suggest that anthraquinones in rhubarb may have anti-inflammatory effects on the gut mucosa, but robust evidence in humans is lacking. Moreover, rhubarb’s strong laxative effect can potentially worsen gastrointestinal bleeding in some cases. Therefore, while the traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation is limited, and caution is warranted when considering rhubarb for this indication.

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