Many scholars have carried out extensive research on the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of Rhapontic Rhubarb Extract in recent years. The chemical composition analysis shows that rhubarb is mainly composed of anthraquinones, flavonoids, naphthalene and naphthoquinones, stilbenes and other components. Pharmacological experiments and clinical reports show that rhubarb has important roles in anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and anti-immunity. This article will introduce the pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of rhubarb extract to provide a basis for its development and utilization.
1. Antioxidant
The ethanol extract of rhubarb root can significantly scavenge free radicals, including some ROS and RNS, prevent oxidative damage to lipids and DNA, and has a strong antioxidant effect. Which showed a strong inhibitory effect on α-amylase.
2. Detoxification
Rhapontic Rhubarb Extract promotes the promoter region of phase 2 detoxification/antioxidant enzymes in HepG2-C8 cells to bind Nrf2 and ARE through the Akt/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, and increases BPRc1 and hepa1c1c7 cells and their mutants. The activity of reduced coenzyme II. Includes quinone oxidoreductase and phase 2 detoxification enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1, glutamylcysteine synthase.
3. Antibacterial and antiviral
The extract has bacteriostatic effect. Among them, the antibacterial effect of roots was 0.1 g·mL-1, and that of stems and leaves was 0.8 g·mL-1. The MICs of its roots against SA, MRSA and ESBLs were 0.25, 0.25 and 0.125 mg·disc-1, respectively.
1.4 Anti-inflammatory
The doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg·mL-1 of ethyl acetate in the aerial parts of Rhubarb can significantly inhibit the swelling of the ears of mice caused by xylene, the increase of peritoneal capillary permeability caused by acetic acid, and the increase of TNF-α in mice. and excessive release of IL-6, two inflammatory factors. The doses of 100 and 200 mg·mL-1 could significantly inhibit the proliferation of rat cotton ball granulation tissue.
1.5 Anti-hepatic injury
Total saponins of rhubarb have a protective effect on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and induced liver injury in mice. The liver index in the treatment group was significantly decreased. Liver histopathological changes were significantly improved. Significantly reduces Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) content. Reduce the content of MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α in liver tissue. Up-regulates GSH and SOD activity.
1.6 Anti-diabetic
The extracts of the root and aerial parts of Rhubarb have good α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. Inhibition kinetics experiments showed that the inhibition type of ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts was non-competitive inhibition. Its methanol extract is a mixed inhibition.
1.7 Antihypertensive
The extract significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and slowed heart rate in hypertensive rats. Its high dose (24 mL·kg-1·d-1) by intragastric administration can reduce the levels of angiotensin Ⅱ, aldosterone and left ventricular mass index in hypertensive rats.
In this paper, the pharmacological effects of Rhapontic Rhubarb Extract are analyzed in combination with the records of literature and books, and the reference for the development and utilization of new drugs is provided. Anthraquinones and flavonoids are the main active components of rhubarb. However, due to the many bases of rhubarb, the research reports of some bases are less, and its development and utilization are still insufficient. It is still necessary to increase the research on its chemical composition, pharmacology and clinical aspects.