Rheum Tanguticum vs Rheum officinale

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Rheum Tanguticum

Rheum tanguticum

Digestive

Digestive

Rheum Tanguticum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Rheum officinale

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

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

Active Compounds

emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion

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

Traditional Uses

constipation, liver disease, blood stasis, fever, infections

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

Modern Uses

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer research

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective

Adult Dosage

3–12g decoction or 200–500mg extract

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

Contraindications

pregnancy, nursing, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis symptoms

pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease

Side Effects

diarrhea, abdominal cramps, potassium loss, electrolyte imbalance

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