Rheum webbianum
Rheum webbianum, commonly known as Webb's rhubarb, is a perennial herb native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. Valued in traditional medicine, its roots contain bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This resilient species is frequently studied for its therapeutic potential in managing various digestive ailments.
- Scientific name: Rheum webbianum
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Rheum, specifically as the species Rheum webbianum.
| 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, known scientifically as Rheum webbianum, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is referred to by several names, including 喜马拉雅大黄, 喜岭大黄, 喜马拉雅大黃 (in Traditional Chinese script), and specifically 喜马拉雅大黄 in mainland China (zh-cn). Additionally, in Polish, it is known as Rabarbar Webba.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 喜马拉雅大黄 | Wikidata |
| pl | Rabarbar Webba | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 喜马拉雅大黄 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 喜馬拉雅大黃 | Wikidata |
| zh | 喜岭大黄 | Wikidata |
| zh | 小大黄 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across high-altitude regions of Asia. Within China, its presence is specifically noted in the Tibet region. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it can be found growing in Nepal. Additionally, the species inhabits various parts of the West Himalaya. Finally, it is also documented as being native to Pakistan.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Rheum webbianum, is a species of rhubarb valued for its therapeutic properties, which are primarily derived from its underground structures. The medicinal components are concentrated within the rhizomes, which serve as the main storage organs for the plant's active compounds. When harvesting the specimen, practitioners specifically collect the thick, fleshy rhizomes to ensure maximum potency. While the botanical structure includes a complex system of roots that anchor the plant into the soil, it is the specialized rhizomes that are most significant for pharmacological applications.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 9
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizomes | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Rheum webbianum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ethanol, Ethy-acetate, Hexane, Methanol, turmeric.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ethy-acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hexane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Methanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| turmeric | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Rheum webbianum has 5 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Rheum webbianum has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include atherosclerosis, colorectal cancer, fibrosis, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| atherosclerosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colorectal cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fibrosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |