Progress in research of chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a very important traditional Chinese medicine,which has various types of chemical constituents and pharmacological actions.Based on searching domestic and foreign documents,this paper systematically summarized the chemical compositions and pharmacological actions of Rhubarb.The main compositions from Rhubarb are anthraquinones and their glycosides,anthrones and their glycosides,stilbenes,saccharides,tannins and so on.The researches have shown that Rhubarb has the regulating effects on gastrointestinal functions,anti-inflammatory,anti-pathogen,cardiovascular protective,antitumor,hepatoprotective,choleretic and anti-ageing effects as well as other pharmacological actions.