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Limited evidenceGut health

Chinese Rhubarb Root

Chinese rhubarb contains anthraquinones, the same stimulant laxative class found in senna. One randomized trial supports the laxative effect, and it is not intended for daily long-term use.

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What the science says

  • Constipation Limited evidence

    A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in middle-aged adults found rhubarb extract improved constipation alongside gut microbiome changes. It is one trial of modest size, and the effect is what any anthraquinone laxative would be expected to produce.

  • Alternative delivery routes Limited evidence

    A prospective randomized multicentre study of topical rhubarb navel plasters in chronic constipation reported improvement. The design was open-label with a weak comparator, so the result is hard to interpret.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe trial used a standardized rhubarb extract daily for about a month. Traditional decoctions use 1–5 g of root; higher amounts mainly add cramping.
SafetyStimulant laxatives cause cramping and potassium loss, and prolonged use leads to dependence and melanosis coli. Rhubarb is high in oxalate, so avoid with kidney stones or kidney disease, and avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, bowel obstruction and inflammatory bowel disease.

How to take it

TimingTake it in the evening, since stimulant laxatives act about 8 to 12 hours later.
With food?Food is not required, but take it with a full glass of water.
Worth knowingUse it for a few days at most, because regular use makes the bowel rely on it.

Interactions

With medications

  • digoxin and other cardiac glycosides

    Potassium loss from stimulant laxative use increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. do not use regularly if you take digoxin

  • diuretics and corticosteroids

    These also lower potassium, and the losses add together. avoid combining, or limit rhubarb to a few days

  • oral medications generally

    Faster transit reduces how much of a drug is absorbed. separate by at least 2 hours

With other supplements

  • licorice

    Licorice also depletes potassium, compounding the loss from a stimulant laxative. do not combine beyond a few days

  • calcium and iron

    Rhubarb is high in oxalate, which binds these minerals in the gut. separate by at least 2 hours

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chinese rhubarb root work for constipation?

Chinese rhubarb root contains anthraquinones, the same stimulant laxative class as senna, and one randomized placebo-controlled trial found rhubarb extract improved constipation. With a single modest trial, the evidence is limited.

Can I take rhubarb root every day?

No. Rhubarb root is a stimulant laxative for a few days at most; regular use causes cramping, potassium loss, bowel dependence and melanosis coli.

When should I take rhubarb root?

Take rhubarb root in the evening with a full glass of water, since stimulant laxatives act about 8 to 12 hours later. Traditional decoctions use 1–5 g of root, and higher amounts mainly add cramping.

Is rhubarb root safe with digoxin or diuretics?

Not for regular use. Potassium loss from rhubarb root raises the risk of digoxin toxicity and adds to the losses from diuretics and corticosteroids; its high oxalate also makes it unsuitable with kidney stones or kidney disease.

Scientific references

Related in Gut health

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)