Rheum
Rheum, commonly known as rhubarb, is a versatile genus of perennial plants valued for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, its roots contain anthraquinones, which act as potent laxatives. While celebrated in kitchens, its pharmacological properties require careful handling to ensure safe and effective use.
- Scientific name: Rheum
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Rheum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Rheum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Great Britain and Norway. Moving toward the center of the continent, its presence is documented throughout Germany. The species also inhabits parts of Middle Europe, specifically within Austria. Finally, its geographical range extends into the Czechia-Slovakia region.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Central European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | East European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | South European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
Chemicals
Rheum has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aloe-emodin, emodin, rhaponticin, rhein, anthraquinones.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aloe-emodin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| emodin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhaponticin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhein | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chrysophanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| physcion | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stilbenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Rheum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include chronic renal failure, anorexia, azotemia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, pulmonary fibrosis.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| chronic renal failure | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anorexia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| azotemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neonatal hyperbilirubinemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pulmonary fibrosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| renal failure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| uremia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |