Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Rheum Palmatum Extract

Also known as: Rhubarb, Chinese rhubarb, Rheum palmatum extract, Rheum palmatum L.

Overview

Rheum palmatum extract is derived from the root and rhizome of the rhubarb plant, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb. It is primarily investigated for its potential in treating inflammatory conditions, sepsis, acute lung injury (ALI), diabetic nephropathy, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The extract contains key bioactive compounds, notably anthraquinones such as emodin and rhein, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Research into Rheum palmatum is ongoing, with a moderate level of maturity, including several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, predominantly from Chinese clinical studies and animal models. While promising, the quality of evidence varies, with some meta-analyses highlighting methodological limitations in the original studies.

Benefits

Rheum palmatum extract shows several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. For Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and Sepsis, a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (n=489) indicated that Rheum palmatum, when combined with routine treatment, significantly reduced mortality, mechanical ventilation time, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8), while improving arterial blood gases (PaO2/FiO2) compared to routine treatment alone. This suggests strong potential in acute inflammatory conditions. In Diabetic Nephropathy, a systematic review and meta-analysis in animal models demonstrated that rhubarb reduced blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and proteinuria, with rhein showing superior effects to emodin and crude extract. This preclinical evidence is promising for kidney protection. Furthermore, animal studies on Sepsis and Inflammation consistently show that rhubarb and its constituents reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and inhibit key inflammatory pathways like NF-κB and TLR4 signaling, suggesting broad anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Emerging evidence also points to potential protective effects on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), though further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical relevance.

How it works

The therapeutic effects of Rheum palmatum extract are primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds, particularly anthraquinones like emodin and rhein. These compounds exert their effects by modulating key inflammatory pathways. They are known to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, which are central to the inflammatory response. This inhibition leads to a reduction in the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. Additionally, Rheum palmatum may improve microcirculation and reduce pulmonary edema by downregulating adhesion molecules and aquaporin-1 expression. In sepsis models, it has shown immunomodulatory effects, including the restoration of CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte balance. The absorption and bioavailability of these anthraquinones vary, but they are considered the main active constituents responsible for the observed biological activities.

Side effects

Overall safety data for Rheum palmatum extract are limited, but current clinical observations suggest a low incidence of adverse effects, particularly when used as an adjunctive therapy in clinical settings. Some studies, especially those focusing on acute lung injury treatment, have reported a reduction in untoward effects compared to control groups. However, comprehensive high-quality clinical trials specifically assessing the safety profile, major drug interactions, and contraindications are not well-documented. Due to this limited data, caution is advised. While no severe side effects or drug interactions have been widely reported, the potential for gastrointestinal upset (common with anthraquinone-containing laxatives, though the extract's primary use here is different) or interactions with medications metabolized by the liver or affecting kidney function cannot be entirely ruled out without more extensive research. Individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions, or those on multiple medications, should consult a healthcare professional before use. Long-term safety data are also scarce, necessitating further research to establish a complete safety profile.

Dosage

Specific dosing guidelines for Rheum palmatum extract are not well standardized due to significant variability in extract preparations, concentrations of active compounds, and study designs across different research. In human randomized controlled trials, Rheum palmatum extract is typically used as an adjunctive therapy, meaning it is administered in combination with routine medical treatments rather than as a standalone intervention. The exact dosages used in these clinical studies vary and are often not clearly specified in terms of standardized active compound content. Animal studies have explored a wide range of doses, but these findings do not directly translate to human dosing. Optimal dose, frequency, and timing for specific conditions, as well as considerations for different forms of the extract, require further rigorous clinical trials to be established. There are currently no widely accepted upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption, emphasizing the need for professional guidance.

FAQs

Is Rheum palmatum extract effective for inflammation?

Yes, evidence from meta-analyses and animal studies supports its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in conditions like sepsis and acute lung injury, by modulating inflammatory pathways.

Is Rheum palmatum extract safe to use?

It appears safe as an adjunct therapy with few reported side effects in clinical studies, but comprehensive safety data, especially regarding long-term use and drug interactions, are limited and require further research.

How quickly does Rheum palmatum extract work?

In acute conditions like lung injury, benefits have been observed during hospitalization. For chronic conditions, such as diabetic nephropathy, longer treatment durations would likely be necessary to see effects.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28573250/ – This meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (n=489) found that Rheum palmatum combined with routine treatment significantly reduced mortality, mechanical ventilation time, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8), and improved arterial blood gases in patients with ALI/ARDS. The study noted limitations due to the poor methodological quality of some original RCTs, suggesting moderate evidence quality.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.602816/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies on diabetic nephropathy showed that rhubarb reduced blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and proteinuria. It highlighted that rhein, an anthraquinone derivative, demonstrated superior effects compared to emodin and crude extract, providing promising preclinical evidence.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4538976/ – This systematic review of animal models of sepsis indicated that rhubarb and its constituents reduced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and inhibited NF-κB and TLR4 signaling pathways. The findings suggest significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, offering mechanistic insights from preclinical research.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2025.2543829?src= – This source discusses emerging evidence regarding the potential protective effects of Rheum palmatum on chronic kidney disease (CKD). While the mechanisms are still under investigation, it points to the herb's potential in renal protection, contributing to the broader understanding of its therapeutic applications.