Rheum officinale vs Rheum Tanguticum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Rheum officinale

Digestive

Rheum tanguticum

Digestive

Rheum officinale

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Rheum Tanguticum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

Root of Tibetan rhubarb used in TCM and Tibetan medicine as a powerful purgative, liver herb, and blood-moving agent.

Active Compounds

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

emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion

Traditional Uses

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

constipation, liver disease, blood stasis, fever, infections

Modern Uses

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer research

Adult Dosage

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

3–12g decoction or 200–500mg extract

Contraindications

pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease

pregnancy, nursing, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis symptoms

Side Effects

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

diarrhea, abdominal cramps, potassium loss, electrolyte imbalance

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E