Rhubarb Extract

• Product Detail

Product name	Rhubarb Extract
Latin Name	Rheum palmatum L
Active ingredients	Emodin
synonyms	Da Huang, Chinese Rhubarb,Rhei, Rheum emodi,
Appearance	Brown powder
Part used	Root
Specification	10:1,50%,98% Emodin
Dosage	500-1000mg daily
Main benefits	Weight loss
Applied industries	Food additive, dietary supplement, medicine

 

What is Rhubarb Extract?

 

Rhubarb, also called sweet round-leaved dock or pieplant, is usually thought of as a fruit, but it is actually one of the few perennial vegetables in existence. Ordinary garden rhubarb carries the botanical name of Rheum rhaponticum, though there are other members of this botanical group that are also used for medicinal purposes. Chinese rhubarb is called da huang in traditional.

 

Chinese medicine has the botanical name Rheum palmatum. Chinese rhubarb has a much stronger taste and properties than the common American variety. Rhubarb is a member of the same family as buckwheat, the Polygo-naceae family. It originally came from Mongolia in northern Asia, but was long ago introduced to both India and Turkey. It was formerly called India or Turkey rhubarb.

 

In the 1760s, in England, an Oxfordshire pharmacist named Hayward began developing and growing the type of rhubarb most commonly grown today. Records indicate that rhubarb was first grown as a market crop in England in 1810. But because it was unknown, few people purchased it. In the next one hundred years, its popularity grew tremendously.

 

The average life expectancy of rhubarb plants is five to eight years. Although rhubarb produces seeds, they can give birth to plants remarkably different from the parent plant. For this reason, rhubarb cultivation is usually done by cutting and replanting pieces of its large storage root.

 

Rhubarb is an early plant that is extremely hardy. It is relatively immune to attack by insects or disease. It puts out smaller feeder roots in early spring; even in colder regions, reddish bud-like projections appear in early April. These develop rapidly into long thick succulent stalks that can grow from 1-3 ft (approximately 30-90 cm) in length. Rhubarb stalks are generally ready for harvesting by late May. One very large spade-shaped leaf with curled edges grows at the tip of each stalk. There is considerable evidence that these leaves should be considered poisonous due to their high content of salts of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is a powerful but toxic cleaning agent. Although M. Grieve reports that people have eaten both the leaves and the newly formed rhubarb buds without any problem, she also mentions several sources that listed several cases of death by rhubarb leaf poisoning around 1910. Rhubarb stalks have a tangy, sweet-sour taste much prized for the making of desserts, especially pies. Rhubarb stalks are a good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

 

Chinese rhubarb produces a yellowish root with a distinctive network of white lines running along the outer surface. Chinese rhubarb root is much larger and more firmly textured than its Western relatives, and has much stronger laxative qualities, but it is also less astringent. The root of Western garden rhubarb is smaller, spongier, and is usually pinkish in color. It has sporadic star-shaped spots evident along its transverse sections.

 

Chemical constituents of Rhubarb Extract

 

The primary chemical constituents of Rhubarb include anthraquinones, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, sennidine, rheidine, palmmidine, tannins, catechin, gallic acid, oxalic acid, rutin, phytosterol, and calcium oxalate. It is the anthraquinones that contribute to the laxative and purgative properties of Rhubarb, yet the tannin content helps balance those properties, and even stops diarrhea. Chinese research is investigating Rhubarb's ability to possibly inhibit cancer cells.

 

Benefits of taking Rhubarb Extract supplements:

 

1.Weight loss

Like most vegetables, rhubarb offers a number of nutritional benefits, while at the same time being a relatively low-calorie food choice. Some of its characteristics may contribute to weight loss. Rhubarb contains a type of antioxidant called polyphenols. Included in rhubarb's antioxidant profile are catechins, the same chemicals that give green tea many of its healthy properties. Catechins are thought to aid your body in burning fat by speeding up your metabolism, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, rhubarb contains a healthy dose of fiber, which contributes to good digestion, absolutely necessary for healthy weight loss.

 

2.Rich source of dietary fiber:

Rhubarb is considered a rich source of dietary fiber and suitable for those suffering from stomach ailments especially indigestion and acidity. It is often prescribed as a laxative in herbal medicine both for constipation and diarrhea.

 

3.Anti-cancer properties:

Regular consumption of rhubarb is believed to increase white blood cells in our body. These cells are essential for reducing free radicals, which are responsible for causing cancer. Further the consumption of this tarty treat is believed to prevent different types of tumors.

 

4.Eases menopausal symptoms:

Rhubarbs are high in calcium and considered the best diet for women as it prevents bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Further, consumption of this vegetable during menopause is believed to ease the symptoms including hot flashes.

 

5.Reduces cholesterol and hypertension:

Rhubarb has the ability to absorb bad cholesterol in the body and reduce the risk of clogged arteries and stroke. It is also believed to effectively reduce blood pressure.

 

6.Anti-bacterial properties:

Rhubarb has anti-bacterial properties and is considered an effective topical treatment for injuries, wounds, and cuts. It has the ability to prevent staphylococcus infections. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. The paste of the rhubarb stalk and its juice are commonly used for topical application.

 

7.Prevents deep vein thrombosis:

The vitamins and nutrients in rhubarb help prevent deep vein thrombosis. It is an ailment where blood clots in the feet and slowly spreads to the lungs if left untreated. Consuming rhubarb is a simple and natural way of preventing this ailment.

 

8.Enhances metabolic rate:

Being a rich source of dietary fiber, rhubarbs ensure smooth digestion. The potassium in this vegetable is believed to enhance the metabolic rate. Thus, both these nutrients make rhubarb the best bet for those looking forward to reducing their weight.

 

This vegetable is commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine and as a fruit because of its laxative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. Although, its stem has several health benefits, the leaf of rhubarb is considered to contain oxalic acid, which is poisonous and corrosive. Therefore the leaf should be avoided. Rhubarb is available as a fresh fruit, tinned, or even as supplements. So, enjoy this fruit, which is pleasant to taste, but at the same time ensures your good health the natural way.

 

Side effects and safety of Rhubarb Extract

 

Rhubarb has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for a long time. Its side effects should be minimal for usual doses and dosage design. However, the side effects could be serious if you have cancer or vascular issues. It is unclear if rhubarb is anti-cancer or carcinogenic. There are reports that it may cause cancer; there are also reports that its ingredients have anti-cancer activities. Its effect on vascular system is also unclear. A few reports indicated its vasodilutory effects, while some showed its muscle contraction effects. It may also enhance blood clotting.

 

The side effects for eating its leave can be fatal. The leaves are poisonous because they contain oxalate. This toxin, plus another unknown toxin also found in the leaves, has been reported to cause poisoning when large quantities of raw or cooked leaves are ingested. Some ingredients of rhubarb were also found to be phototoxic.

 

Dosage of Rhubarb Extract supplement:

 

When the consumption of natural extracts for weight loss, one of the most important thing you should consider is the right dose. In order to experience the weight loss effect of natural extracts such as rhubarb, you should take the proper dose of a regular schedule every day.

 

The recommended dose of rhubarb extract to lose weight is 500mg twice a day. You can take one 500mg dosage of rhubarb extract in the morning when you wake up, and then take the second 500mg dosage of rhubarb extract in the afternoon.

 

By sticking with a regular schedule of consuming rhubarb extract before a meal, it may be easier to remember to take the supplement. Often time’s individuals who want to lose weight do not stick with a regular schedule and end up forgetting to take the supplement at all. 

 

It is a topic that should be talked with a medical doctor or your personal physician about the dosage. Only a doctor can give medical advice about how much of a weight loss supplement you should take. Based on the use of this site is for reference only, you should be sure to talk to your doctor before trying anything extreme.