A Review on Rhubarb-Derived Substances as Modulators of Cardiovascular Risk Factors—A Special Emphasis on Anti-Obesity Action

Abstract

The currently available anti-obesity therapies encounter many associated risks and side effects often causing the ineffectiveness of treatment. Therefore, various plant-derived substances have been extensively studied as a promising support or even an alternative for existing anti-obesity therapies. This review is dealing with the anti-obesity potential of edible and ethnomedicinal rhubarb species and emerging possible role of the rhubarb-derived extracts or individual compounds in the prevention of obesity and perspectives for their use in an anti-obesity treatment. A special emphasis is put on the most popular edible specimens, i.e., Rheum rhabarbarum L. (garden rhubarb) and Rheum rhaponticum L. (rhapontic rhubarb, Siberian rhubarb); however, the anti-obesity potential of other rhubarb species (e.g., R. officinale, R. palmatum, and R. emodi) is presented as well. The significance of rhubarb-derived extracts and low-molecular specialized rhubarb metabolites of diversified chemical background, e.g., anthraquinones and stilbenes, as potential modulators of human metabolism is highlighted, including the context of cardiovascular disease prevention. The available reports present multiple encouraging rhubarb properties starting from the anti-lipidemic action of rhubarb fibre or its use as purgative medicines, through various actions of rhubarb-derived extracts and their individual compounds: inhibition of enzymes of cholesterol and lipid metabolism, targeting of key molecular regulators of adipogenesis, regulators of cell energy metabolism, the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory signalling pathways and to regulate glucose and lipid homeostasis contributing to overall in vivo and clinical anti-obesity effects.

Rheum rhaponticum and Rheum rhabarbarum Extracts as Modulators of Endothelial Cell Inflammatory Response

“…R. rhabarbarum -based preparations were administered as purgative agents as well as to treat liver, spleen, and stomach dysfunctions. Traditional medicine recommendations for the therapeutic use of R. rhaponticum include purgative effects, gastrointestinal and reproductive system disorders, injuries, heartache, and pain in the pericardium [ 7 ]. Currently, R. rhaponticum is primarily known as a component of the preparations dedicated to alleviating menopausal complaints, especially the ERr731 ® extract, which has been registered as a medicinal product.…”

“…While the edible stalks (petioles) of R. rhaponticum and R. rhabarbarum are typically known as foods, the roots (rhizome) of these species have been used for centuries in ethnomedicine of different regions of the world [ 4 ]. Both ethnomedicinal surveys and research data indicate that rhubarbs are rich in bioactive substances and may display beneficial effects on human health [ 7 ]. Numerous rhubarb products are on the market as foods, dietary supplements, and alternative medicines.…”

Prescription system to calculate precise doses of Chinese herbal medicine to avoid toxic effects

“…For example, Da Huang ( Rheum rhabarbarum ) is a common Chinese herb used to treat a variety of conditions, including gastritis, gastrointestinal pain, liver and spleen disorders, and pulmonary system dysfunction [ 14 ]. The major functional ingredient in Da Huang is Anthraquinone , which can improve the blood lipid profile, reduce sugar absorption, and offer hepatoprotective effects [ 15 ]. However, excessive dosages of Rheum rhabarbarum may lead to side effects such as abdominal cramping pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.…”

Varietal Differences in Juice, Pomace and Root Biochemical Characteristics of Four Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.) Cultivars

“…Rhubarb may be considered as a fine example of Hippocrates’s words: “Let food be thy medicine and let the medicine be food”. Indeed, these plants have been known for centuries as medicinal plants for their health-promoting effects, and their stems are known for their antitumor [ 3 ], anti-inflammatory [ 4 , 5 ], wound-healing and fever-relieving properties, osteoporosis prevention, regulation of gastrointestinal flora [ 6 ] and heart protection [ 7 ]. Rhubarb roots demonstrate high antioxidant activity [ 8 ], showing beneficial effects against diabetes, hypertension, obesity [ 9 ] and ulcers [ 10 ].…”