Turkey Rhubarb Root Extract

Species Name: Rheum palmatum

Also Known As: Rheum officinale, Turkish rhubarb, Rhubarb root, Chinese rhubarb, tai huang, da huang, ornamental rhubarb, and East Indian rhubarb.

The Turkey Rhubarb plant is native to north-east Asia. This tall herbaceous plant is related to the garden variety rhubarb, but Turkey rhubarb root is the one used for medicinal purposes.

This plant has thick, fleshy leafstalks with jagged palm-shaped leaves and loose clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers that are white, light green, or red tinted.

The flowers appear in July and August, to be followed with dry winged fruits. Only the root of the plant is used for herbal remedies.

What is turkey rhubarb root extract? Turkey rhubarb root extract is made from the dried root, which is then chopped and/or powdered. It is available as a tea or tincture, also available in capsule form.

The Turkey Rhubarb roots are harvested in September or October after the stem and leaves of the plant have been withered by frost. The roots should only be harvested if the plants are at least three years old. They should be aged for 12 to 18 months for maximum effectiveness.

Home Remedies Using Turkey Rhubarb Root Extract:

Benefits of Turkey Rhubarb Root Extract:

Turkey rhubarb root extract has been used as a purgative for over 2,000 years in various parts of Asia.

Today turkey rhubarb root extract is primarily used as a laxative, however low doses are known to cause constipation. It is also believed to help cleanse the blood by reducing excessive amounts of urea and other nitrogenous waste products. Turkey Rhubarb Root may also be beneficial in the treatment of chronic renal failure.

It is used to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion, and to treat liver and gallbladder problems as well as oral infections and inflammation of the mouth. Topical applications include the use by Chinese physicians of turkey rhubarb root teas to treat skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

The powder can be combined with licorice and turned into a plaster that has been beneficial in the treatment of boils and furuncles.

There has been some research into its use to treat conditions like cancer, ulcers, and hypertension.

One clinical research study on Turkey Rhubarb showed, "In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 80 lung cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy also received a rhubarb extract or placebo for 6 weeks.

Radiation-induced lung toxicity (RILT), pulmonary function, and circulating TGF-â and IL-6 levels were measured after 6 weeks and 6 months. In the intervention group, decreased RILT, improved pulmonary function, and reduced circulating TGF-â and IL-6 were detected as compared to the control group, suggesting that rhubarb reduces RILT through attenuation of TGF-â and IL-6. In addition, no adverse events were reported."

Side Effects of Turkey Rhubarb Root Extract:

Adverse side effects of turkey rhubarb root extract are generally gastrointestinal in nature. Too little of the extract and you can become constipated, too much and you get cramping and diarrhea. It may cause nausea and vomiting.

Do not take turkey rhubarb or any other stimulant laxative if you take Lasix (furosemide); the combination can lead to potassium depletion.

Turkey Rhubarb Root Extract is not recommended for long term use, nor is it considered safe for use during pregnancy as it may cause uterine stimulation. It should not be used by anyone with arthritis, kidney or hepatic dysfunction, a history of kidney stones, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal obstruction.

If you have a hormone-sensitive cancer you should avoid Turkey rhubarb root as there has been estrogenic activity reported with its use.