Allamanda cathartica vs Rheum officinale

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Allamanda cathartica

Digestive

Digestive

Allamanda cathartica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Rheum officinale

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tropical American ornamental vine with large yellow trumpet flowers, used in Caribbean and South American folk medicine.

Classic TCM herb (Da Huang) for constipation, liver conditions, and as anti-inflammatory; stronger than culinary rhubarb.

Active Compounds

allamandin, plumericin, flavonoids, tannins, iridoids

emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, anthraquinones, tannins, stilbenoids

Traditional Uses

Traditional Caribbean folk medicine for constipation and malaria, Used in Brazil for infections and as antimicrobial

constipation, liver conditions, inflammation, infections, diarrhea (small dose)

Modern Uses

Anticancer research, Antimalaria activity, Antimicrobial, Purgative traditional use

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective

Adult Dosage

Traditional use with caution; toxic in large amounts

1-3g dried root for laxative; 0.5-1g for digestive tonic

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Children under 12, Gastrointestinal inflammation

pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease

Side Effects

Severe purgative effect, Nausea, Skin irritation from latex

diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, GI cramping, kidney stones with excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E