I
INDIAN or HIMALAYAN RHUBARB (Rheum australe D. Don) +Synonym: Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meisn.
Activities (Indian Rhubarb) — Alexeteric (f; KAB); Aperitif (f; HH2; KAB); Astringent (f; DEP;
KAB; SUW); Bitter (f; KAB); Cardiotonic (f; MBB); Diuretic (f; KAB; KAP); Emmenagogue (f;
KAB; KAP); Laxative (f; DEP; KAB; KAP; MBB; SUW); Stomachic (f; KAP); Tonic (f; DEP;
KAB; SUW).
Indications (Indian Rhubarb) — Alcoholism (f; MBB); Anorexia (f; HH2; KAB); Asthma (f;
KAB; KAP; MBB); Atony (f; WOI); Biliousness (f; KAB); Bronchosis (f; KAB; KAP); Bruise (f;
KAB); Catarrh (f; KAP); Cirrhosis (f; MBB); Constipation (f; DEP; KAB; KAP; MBB; SUW);
Coryza (f; KAB; KAP); Dermatosis (f; KAP); Diarrhea (f; SUW); Duodenosis (f; KAP); Dysentery
(f; KAB; KAP); Dyspepsia (f; WOI); Encephalosis (f; KAB); Enterosis (f; HH2; KAP); Fever (f;
KAB; KAP); Gas (f; MBB); Gastrosis (f; HH2); Hemorrhoid (f; KAB); Hepatosis (f; MBB);
Jaundice (f; KAP); Lumbago (f; KAB; KAP); Neurasthenia (f; MBB); Ophthalmia (f; KAB); Pain
(f; KAB); Water Retention (f; KAB; KAP).
Dosages (Indian Rhubarb) — 0.2–1 g (HHB; HH2); 5–20 g (KAP).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Indian Rhubarb) — Not covered (AKP;
KOM; PH2). Probably contains oxalates and anthraquinones, and deserves the same cautionary
notes as the Chinese and European species. Maybe so, maybe not. Here I read in an Indian book
more than 100 years old regarding the Himalayan Rhubarb, “It is less active and has often been
pronounced worthless” (DEP). And WOI (1972) warns about things that were not even warned
about by conservative AHP, “Its use is prohibited for patients suffering from gout, rheumatism,
epilepsy, and uric acid problems” (WOI). Conservatively, here are the warnings for the more
dangerous species. Viz. Class 2b, 2c, 2d. Beware of anthraquinones, oxalates, and tannins (AHP).
Commission E reports for bark, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid
laxatives (AEH). CAN cautions that the anthraquinones are laxative and irritate the GI tract.
Because of the anthraquinones, nonstandardized preparations should be avoided during pregnancy
and lactation (CAN). “Anthraquinones may be secreted into breast milk.” Also contraindicated
in arthrosis, hemorrhoids, and nephropathy (CAN), intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of
unknown causes, any enterosis (appendicitis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syn-
drome), hemorrhoids, nephropathy, menstruation (AHP), and urethrosis (CAN). Not for use in
cases of diarrhea or abdominal pain. Discontinue use if diarrhea or watery stools occur. Consult
a health care provider in cases of pregnancy or lactation. Not for long-term use, use more than
8–10 days, or overdosage (AHP, CAN). Rhubarb leaves, high in oxalic acid, should not be eaten
(CAN). One case of anaphylaxis following ingestion reported (CAN). Contains 4–11% stilbene
derivatives, which pose such risks that the herb “can no longer be recommended” (SHT). While
widely used, anthranoid-containing laxatives can be habit-forming; some contain compounds
suspected of being cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and even tumorigenic. Epidemiological
studies in Germany reveal that abusers of anthranoid laxatives have a three times higher rate of
colon carcinoma (AEH).INDIAN SARSAPARILLA (Hemidesmus indicus (L.) W. T. Aiton) +Synonym: Periploca indica L.
Activities (Indian Sarsaparilla) — Alterative (f; DEP; SUW; WOI); Antibacterial (1; MPI);
Antidote (1; KEB); Antiedemic (1; MPI); Antiinflammatory (1; MPI); Antiseptic (1; KEB);
Antiviral (1; MPI); Aperitif (f; DEP; SKJ; SUW); Demulcent (f; DEP; SUW; WOI); Depurative