from the roots, exhibited moderate alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Anthraquinone glucoside, pulmatin, isolated from the roots, along with its congeners, chrysophanein and physcionin, showed cytotoxic activity against several types of carcinoma cells. Polysaccharides, isolated from the roots and rhizomes, contained lyxose, glucose, galactose, xylose, rhamnose, mannose and ribose.
Dosage Root—0.2—1.0 g powder. (CCRAS.)

Rheum nobile Hook. f. & Th.

Family Polygonaceae.

Habitat The Himalayas from Nepal to Bhutan at 3,900—4,800 m.
Folk Tehuka (Sikkim).
Action The roots resemble those of Rheum emodi, but are spongy and inert. Stems are acidic, used as salad. Dried leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for tobacco.

Rheum officinale Baillon.

Family Polygonaceae.

Habitat Southeast Tibet, West and Northwest China.

English Rhubarb.

Unani Usaare Rewand.

Action Astringent and cathartic (anthraquinones are laxative and tannins astringent), stomachic, aperient, cholinergic, gastric stimulant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory,

Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz. 545

antiseptic. Used for indigestion, diarrhoea, dysentery and disorders of liver and gallbladder.
Key application In constipation.
Contraindicated in acute intestinal
inflammation and obstruction.
(German Commission E, ESCOP
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia,
WHO.)
Rhubarb contains 1,8-dihydroxy- anthracene derivatives. The laxative effect of the herb is primarily due to its influence on the motility of the colon, inhibiting stationary and stimulating propulsive contractions. Stimulation of the chloride secretion increases the water and electrolyte content of stool. (German Commission E.)
The plant extract of R. officinale is found to be strong and effective scavenger of oxygen radicals in xanthine!xanthine oxidase and other systems in vitro.

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