Rhubarb
Feb 16, 2025
Rhubarb
Gen:
Rhubarb is a plant and the stalk is commonly eaten. Its root and underground stem are used make medicine.
Taking a rhubarb root extract by mouth seems to improve symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes, mood, quality of life, and fatigue.
Rhubarb is also used for the management of Gi disorders as it has a mild laxative effect.
Mechanism of Action:
Mechanisms of action have been proposed and include inhibition of protein decomposition, accelerated reutilization of certain amino acids, reduction of the formation of free radicals, inhibition of overexpression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and suppression of cytokines.
Dosage:
Dried rhubarb extract 20-50 mg/kg daily has been used in clinical trials and is a commonly accepted dosage.
Precautions:
There are chemicals in rhubarb that might harm the kidneys or increase the risk of kidney stones. Don't take rhubarb if you have a bowel obstruction, appendicitis, unexplained stomach pain, or inflammatory conditions such as Crohn disease, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Interactions:
Because rhubarb can harm kidneys, avoid taking with nephrotoxic medications. Avoid taking rhubarb with laxatives as rhubarb already has a laxative effect on the body and may cause diarrhea.
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