The phytochemistry and pharmacology of three Rheum species: A comprehensive review with future perspectives
Yang X. Dai L. Yan F. Ma Y. Guo X. Jenis J. Wang Y. Zhang J. Miao X. Shang X.
August 2024Elsevier GmbH
Phytomedicine
2024#131
Background: Rheum palmatum, R. tanguticum, and R. officinale, integral species of the genus Rheum, are widely used across global temperate and subtropical regions. These species are incorporated in functional foods, medicines, and cosmetics, recognized for their substantial bioactive components. Purpose: This review aims to synthesize developments from 2014 to 2023 concerning the botanical characteristics, ethnopharmacology, nutritional values, chemical compositions, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action, and toxicity of these species. Methods: Data on the three Rheum species were gathered from a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles, patents, and clinical trials accessed through PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CNKI. Results: The aerial parts are nutritionally rich, providing essential amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals, suitable for use as health foods or supplements. Studies have identified 143 chemical compounds, including anthraquinones, anthrones, flavonoids, and chromones, which contribute to their broad pharmacological properties such as laxative, anti-diarrheal, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Notably, the materials science approach has enhanced understanding of their medicinal capabilities through the evaluation of bioactive compounds in different therapeutic contexts. Conclusion: As medicinal and economically significant herb species, Rheum species provide both edible aerial parts and medicinal underground components that offer substantial health benefits. These characteristics present new opportunities for developing nutritional ingredients and therapeutic products, bolstering the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Activity , Anthraquinones , Laxative , Phytochemistry , Rhubarb
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Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project, Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
The First People`s Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou, 730050, China
College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural Univerisity, Lanzhou, 730070, China
College of Tibetan Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, 810016, China
The Research Center for Medicinal Plants, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project
The First People`s Hospital of Lanzhou City
College of Veterinary Medicine
College of Tibetan Medicine
The Research Center for Medicinal Plants
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