Historical studies on the use of Rhubarb in Japan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rhubarb product is the crude drug derived from the root or rhizome of Rheum or other related plants, and has been used since ancient times in Asian and European countries. However, the original plant species for Rhubarb product had been confused throughout its long history and across different areas.

Methods

The present study aimed to identify the original plant species for Rhubab products used in Japan through histological analysis of medicinal literature, successive Japanese Pharmacopoeias, and the textbooks of crude drugs published from the mid-Edo period (1603-1868) to the early Showa era (1926-1989).

Results

During the Edo period, Rumex madaio (synonym, Rumex daiwoo), a plant that grows wild in Japan, was initially recognized as th

SUBMITTER: Ota M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12929373 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature