Plum Bark vs Rheum officinale

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Plum Bark

Prunus domestica bark

Digestive

Digestive

Plum Bark

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Rheum officinale

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

European plum tree bark used in folk medicine for digestive conditions, fever, and as astringent.

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

Active Compounds

tannins, amygdalin, benzoic acid, malic acid, flavonoids

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

Traditional Uses

Digestive astringent, Fever reduction in European folk medicine, Diarrhea treatment, Liver conditions

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

Modern Uses

Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried bark

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

Contraindications

Pregnancy caution, Constipation conditions

pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease

Side Effects

GI effects

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