Abstract

RHEUM EMODI: A REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY

Amandeep Kaur*, Satvinder Kaur, Manpreet Kaur, Anu Mahajan and Sujit Bose

Abstract

Rheum emodi commonly known as Rhubarb is a perennial herb belongs to family Polygonaceae. Traditionally plant is widely used as laxative, tonic, diuretic and to treat ulcers, diarrhea, fever, cough and indigestion. This review paper consists of detailed information of Rheum emodi regarding its pharmacology and phytochemistry. The material was collected from pharmacopeia, journals and books. The major constituents of Rheum emodi are anthraquinone, flavonoids, tannins and stilbene. Alkaloids are also present in minute amount. Various preclinical studies provide the potential of Rheum emodi against various diseases like cancer, inflammation, microbial and fungal infections, diabetes, liver and kidney disease. The plant is found to have potent antioxidant activity. These studies raised the therapeutic efficacy of rhubarb. Recently antiulcer activity of plant has also reported. Further, It is essential that Rheum emodi should studied more extensively to validate its traditional uses and to confirm the therapeutic effects.

Keywords: Rheum emodi (R. emodi), Pharmacological activities, Phytochemistry.