Evidence supporting the use of: Rhubarb (unspecified)
For the health condition: Nephritis

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): 3

Rhubarb (most commonly referring to Rheum palmatum or Rheum officinale) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various kidney-related conditions, including nephritis. In TCM, rhubarb is believed to possess properties that "clear heat," promote blood circulation, and relieve toxicity, which are considered beneficial in treating inflammatory kidney diseases. Historically, decoctions and preparations containing rhubarb have been administered to patients with nephritis to reduce symptoms such as edema and proteinuria.

Modern scientific research offers limited, but growing, support for these traditional uses. Some preclinical studies and a small number of clinical trials have suggested that rhubarb and its active constituents (such as emodin and rhein) may help attenuate kidney inflammation, reduce proteinuria, and improve renal function by anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antioxidative mechanisms. However, these studies are often small, not always well-controlled, and sometimes use rhubarb as part of a multi-herb formula, making it difficult to isolate its effects. There is not yet robust, high-quality clinical evidence from large randomized controlled trials to firmly validate rhubarb's efficacy for nephritis in humans. As such, while the use of rhubarb for nephritis is justified by tradition and supported by some preliminary scientific evidence, it cannot be considered a standard or well-established treatment in evidence-based medicine.

More about Rhubarb (unspecified)
More about Nephritis

Products containing Rhubarb (unspecified)

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