Evidence supporting the use of: Indian Rhubarb
For the health condition: Indigestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Indian Rhubarb (Rheum emodi or Rheum australe) has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine as a digestive aid and mild laxative. The roots and rhizomes contain anthraquinones, compounds that are known to have cathartic (laxative) effects. Historical texts describe its use for symptoms of indigestion, constipation, and gastrointestinal discomfort, often as part of herbal formulations. The rationale is that by promoting bowel movements and reducing stagnation in the digestive tract, Indian Rhubarb can alleviate some symptoms of indigestion.
However, scientific evidence supporting its use for indigestion specifically is limited. Most modern research on rhubarb species focuses on their laxative properties or potential anti-inflammatory effects, rather than on the treatment of general indigestion or dyspepsia. There are a few laboratory and animal studies on related species (such as Rheum palmatum) that examine its effects on gut motility and inflammation, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking.
In summary, the use of Indian Rhubarb for indigestion is primarily supported by traditional practices, with limited direct scientific validation. Most of the evidence is anecdotal or based on its known laxative effects, rather than on well-designed studies of its impact on indigestion.
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alpha-galactosidase
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bamboo
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
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bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
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rice
calcium
cassia bark
chamomile
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chloride
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
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exo-peptidase
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ginger
glucomannan
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HCL
quassia
jujube
kudzu
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
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licorice root
lipase
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lovage
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methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
orange
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
papain
peppermint oil
pepsin
plum fruit
psyllium
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rhubarb root
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caraway
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peach
wood betony
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alginic acid
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Actinidin
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Acidity regulator
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Agrimony
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
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Asam gelugor
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Agrimonia pilosa
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Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
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Betony
Buttermilk
Butter
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
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Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Blackbrush
Bistort
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banana
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cola nut
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Molasses
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Potash
Quince
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Other health conditions supported by Indian Rhubarb
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Blood in Stool
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gout
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Nausea and Vomiting
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Skin (infections)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores