Rheum sublanceolatum

Rheum sublanceolatum, commonly known as Himalayan rhubarb, is a potent medicinal herb native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, it is primarily used in traditional medicine to treat digestive ailments, reduce inflammation, and support detoxification, making it a vital component of herbal pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Rheum sublanceolatum
  • Family: Polygonaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Rheum, which includes the species Rheum lanceolatum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Polygonaceae WCVP
Genus Rheum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Rheum sublanceolatum, is known by several different common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 窄叶大黄, which is written as 窄叶大黄 in mainland China (zh-cn) and as 窄葉大黃 in Taiwan (zh-tw).
Language Common Name Source
zh 窄叶大黄 Wikidata
zh-cn 窄叶大黄 Wikidata
zh-tw 窄葉大黃 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Rheum sublanceolatum, exhibits a specific distribution pattern within the diverse landscapes of East Asia. It is primarily found across the North-Central regions of China. Additionally, its natural habitat extends into the high-altitude areas of Qinghai. The species also maintains a presence within the expansive territory of Xinjiang. Consequently, its geographical range is concentrated within these specific provinces of China.

Region Area Source
China China North-Central WCVP
China Qinghai WCVP
China Xinjiang WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Rheum lanceolatum, is highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly for the therapeutic properties found within its underground structures. The medicinal efficacy of the species is primarily concentrated in the rhizoma and the radix, which are harvested and processed to extract bioactive compounds. While the radix refers to the main taproot system that anchors the plant, the rhizoma consists of the thickened, horizontal stem-like structures that store nutrients and essential medicinal constituents. Together, these parts serve as the primary source for pharmacological applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
radix 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Rheum sublanceolatum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-methyl-5-carboxymethyl-7-hydroxychromone, 6-hydroxymusizin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, daucosterol, piceatannol, sitosterol.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2-methyl-5-carboxymethyl-7-hydroxychromone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
6-hydroxymusizin-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
daucosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piceatannol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sitosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆