Xu Haonan, Wang Wei, Li Xinzhuo, Li Yuze, Jiang Yi, Deng Chong, Song Xiaomei, Zhang Dongdong
School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, P. R. China.
Am J Chin Med. 2024;52(7):1925-1967. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X24500757. Epub 2024 Nov 19.
Rhubarb, the Rhei radix et rhizoma (Da huang) is a member of the Polygonaceae family, included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and is mainly distributed in Gansu, Sichuan, Qinghai, northwestern Yunnan, and eastern Tibet. Rhei radix et rhizoma is one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicines, processed into drinkable tablets in different concoctions for clinical use. Phytochemical studies showed that more than 170 compounds were isolated and identified from Rhei radix et rhizoma, including anthraquinones/anthrones (major constituents), stilbenes, chromones, flavonoids, tannins, and other compounds, etc. Rhei radix et rhizoma is an herb with a long history of traditional use and many potential therapeutic benefits. It can play the role of diarrhea, clearing heat in response to different combinations and concoctions. It is mainly used for the treatment of constipation, gastrointestinal function impairment, and other diseases. In addition, Rhei radix et rhizoma has significant antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepato-renal protective, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory activities. Its active constituents have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and hepato-kidney protective properties. Although it is primarily used for gastrointestinal disorders, it may also have wider applications in various inflammatory and liver disorders. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore its full potential and mechanism of action. This paper reviews the research progress of Rhei radix et rhizoma in terms of botany, traditional use, chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical studies. It aims to provide a scientific basis for in-depth research and development of Rhei radix et rhizome resources.
大黄，即蓼科植物掌叶大黄、唐古特大黄或药用大黄的干燥根及根茎，被收录于《中国药典》2020年版，主要分布于甘肃、四川、青海、云南西北部及西藏东部。大黄是最常用的传统中药之一，经不同炮制方法加工成饮片供临床使用。植物化学研究表明，从大黄中分离鉴定出170多种化合物，包括蒽醌/蒽酮（主要成分）、芪类、色酮类、黄酮类、鞣质及其他化合物等。大黄是一种有着悠久传统应用历史且具有多种潜在治疗功效的草药。根据不同的配伍和炮制方法，它能起到泻下、清热的作用。主要用于治疗便秘、胃肠功能障碍等疾病。此外，大黄具有显著的抗肿瘤、抗炎、抗菌、肝肾保护、神经保护、降血脂及免疫调节活性。其活性成分具有抗肿瘤、抗炎及肝肾保护特性。尽管它主要用于胃肠道疾病，但在各种炎症和肝脏疾病中可能也有更广泛的应用。因此，需要进一步研究以探索其全部潜力和作用机制。本文综述了大黄在植物学、传统应用、化学、药理学及临床研究方面的进展。旨在为大黄资源的深入研究与开发提供科学依据。
