It is native to the mountain forests of central China. Domestic researcher N. М. Przhevalsky, returning from a trip to Asia, brought back seeds of various species of rhubarb. These seeds were collected from Rheum palmatum in the Kansu Province of China, where rhubarb Rheum officinalis grew without much care. As the climatic conditions of this province were similar to those of St. Petersburg, Director S.-In the form of experience, he planted these seeds in the St. Petersburg Botanical Garden, from which luxurious plants developed and took great roots. Rheum palmatum was found to be the richest in active substances (F. Beyliitein, 1882) (fig. 64).
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Tangut rhubarb does not occur in the wild in the USSR, it is cultivated in the USSR and in Western European countries as a medicinal and ornamental plant.
Roots with rhizomes three to four years old, dug in August - September, are used. The dried roots are brownish-yellow in color, with a pleasant peculiar odor. The flavor of rhubarb grass has a bitter, astringent taste.
Chemical composition
.Anthraglycosides (up to 6%) are found in the roots and rhizomes (chrysophanein, reochrysin, etc.).) and their free aglycones (rheumemodin, chrysophenol, rhein, etc.).), tanoglycosides (up to 10%), resinous substances, pigments. Rhubarb flowers and leaves contain rutin and organic acids.
Action and application
.Tanoglycosides have astringent, antidiarrheal and antiseptic action. Anthraglycosides increase intestinal peristalsis and have a laxative property, manifested 8-10 hours after ingestion, mainly due to the action of emodin, rhein and chrysophanic acid, which have an irritant effect on the mucous membrane of the large intestine. When ingestion of small doses revealed the predominant effect of tanoglycosides and rhubarb Tangut has an astringent effect, while taking large doses shows the effect of anthraglycosides, causing a laxative effect. As a laxative used in intestinal atony, spastic and habitual constipation, in pregnancy, flatulence, as well as for softening and liquefaction of fecal masses in rectal fissures and hemorrhoids.
Rhubarb herb is a specific laxative for children. Preparations prepared on water are designed for the laxative effect of anthralicosides, better soluble in water, and alcoholic are designed for substances that are difficult to dissolve in water and have the properties to improve digestion and regulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. With prolonged use, addiction is noted.
In Chinese medicine, rhubarb preparations have been known for over 5,000 years and are used internally and as an external remedy. Inside - as a means of stimulating appetite and as a choleretic, with jaundice (small doses), with chronic constipation as a laxative (large doses), with intestinal atony and flatulence. According to Chinese doctors, the medicinal herb rhubarb has anti-inflammatory properties. Crushed root mixed with vinegar is used externally and prescribed for vitiligo and other skin conditions.
Rhizome with roots is an official raw material in many countries of the world (Klan, 1948), including the USSR.
In domestic folk medicine, Tangut rhubarb, in addition to a laxative, is used for anemia and pulmonary tuberculosis. It is noted that as a laxative it is more useful in children and young adults, the elderly with a tendency to persistent constipation, hemorrhoids with bleeding it is not shown.
Rhubarb leaves were favorably evaluated when tested as a spice used in the fish industry.
We use rhubarb root as a laxative, reducing flatulence and choleretic. In constipation, we recommend eating young leafy petioles (soursels, compotes), and rhubarb leaves - for the preparation of stuffed cabbage.
In addition to medicinal rhubarb, vegetable rhubarb is cultivated. The young leaves of vegetable rhubarb are eaten, which contain sugar, malic and oxalic acids and vitamin C. This species is characterized by the fact that it ripens earlier than other vegetables known to us. Petioles are harvested in May and the first half of June; they are used to make soups, soups, salads, sours, compotes, jams, marmalade, candied fruits, juices, wine, and pie filling..
