Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Rhubarb
For the health condition: Cholera

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Chinese Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, including for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and dysentery. Historical texts and traditional medical practices from China and other parts of Asia have documented its use during outbreaks of cholera, primarily due to its strong purgative and antimicrobial properties. The roots of Chinese Rhubarb contain anthraquinones, such as emodin and rhein, which exert a laxative effect by stimulating peristalsis and inhibiting water absorption in the intestines. In the context of cholera, which is characterized by severe watery diarrhea, traditional healers believed that promoting purgation could help expel "toxins" from the body.

However, there is minimal scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of Chinese Rhubarb in the treatment of cholera, and its use is not part of modern medical protocols for cholera management. Most contemporary cholera treatment focuses on rehydration and, when appropriate, antibiotics. While in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain compounds in Chinese Rhubarb possess antibacterial activity (including against some intestinal pathogens), clinical trials specifically evaluating its effects in cholera patients are lacking. Therefore, its use for cholera is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

More about Chinese Rhubarb
More about Cholera

Products containing Chinese Rhubarb

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.