Da Huang (大黄): What It Is, Benefits, and Risks

Da Huang (大黄), also known as Rhubarb, is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The roots and rhizomes of various species, including Rheum palmatum, R. tanguticum, and R. officinale, are commonly used. Its medicinal properties have been recognized for centuries across different cultures, including ancient China, the Middle East, and medieval Europe¹.

In this article, we’ll explore what Da Huang is, its benefits, and the risks associated with its use.

What is Da Huang?

Da Huang is classified in traditional Chinese medicine as a bitter and cold herb with strong purgative properties². The main bioactive compounds in Rhubarb include anthraquinones, such as emodin, aloe-emodin, and rhein³.

These compounds give the herb its powerful effects on the digestive system, making it a reliable treatment for constipation and other digestive issues⁴.

Aside from its laxative properties, Da Huang is used for clearing heat, cooling the blood, and detoxifying the body. Its role in various formulations has made it a key player in treating a wide range of conditions, from digestive blockages to infections and inflammation⁵.

Nutritional Value of Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a nutrient-rich food that provides several health benefits due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some of the key nutritional values and health benefits of rhubarb:

Nutrient Content⁶:

• Vitamin K: 18-24% of the Daily Value (DV) in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving
• Fiber: similar amounts as oranges, apples, or celery
• Calcium: moderate amounts, but mainly in the form of calcium oxalate, which is not easily absorbed by the body
• Vitamin C: 4% of the DV in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving
• Antioxidants: high in antioxidants, which can help counteract free radicals and prevent oxidative stress

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Health

One of Da Huang’s primary uses is as a natural laxative. It promotes bowel movements by stimulating intestinal motility, thanks to its anthraquinone content⁷. For those suffering from severe constipation or bloating, a small dose of Rhubarb can provide significant relief. Additionally, it supports the liver by promoting the secretion of bile and pancreatic enzymes, aiding in digestion.

For example, a traditional recipe using it and honey is consumed to clear heat and regulate the bowels⁸, ideal for those with heat-induced constipation.

2. Cardiovascular Support

Da Huang has a dual regulatory effect on blood circulation. It can both stop bleeding and promote blood flow, depending on the condition being treated. This makes it useful for individuals dealing with stagnant blood, which can manifest as bruising, swelling, or internal bleeding⁹.

Interestingly, This herb also has the ability to lower blood lipid levels¹⁰, reducing the risk of heart disease. Research suggests that regular use can help control cholesterol, potentially benefiting individuals with high lipid profiles.

3. Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Effects

In traditional medicine, Da Huang is often used for treating infections and inflammation. Its bioactive compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. This antimicrobial action extends to fungi and parasites, making it effective against various infections¹¹.

For those suffering from skin infections or abscesses¹², Da Huang can be applied topically. Its strong purgative nature also helps to remove toxins from the body, alleviating symptoms of heat-related conditions like fevers and sore throats.

4. Immune System Modulation

Da Huang is believed to enhance the immune system by promoting the production of T lymphocytes. These cells are essential for the body’s immune defense. Additionally, the herb may support the immune system in combating chronic conditions, such as hepatitis, by stimulating the activity of macrophages—cells responsible for engulfing harmful pathogens¹³.

Risks and Side Effects of Da Huang

While Da Huang offers numerous health benefits, it comes with some risks that must be carefully considered.

1. Gastrointestinal Disturbances

Due to its strong laxative properties, overuse of Da Huang can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal cramping¹⁴. Individuals should be cautious when using it for long periods or in large doses, as this can disrupt the digestive system.

For example, in cases where someone experiences prolonged diarrhea after taking it, it’s important to stop usage immediately and consider alternative treatments, as prolonged use may weaken the gut lining.

2. Toxicity Concerns

When taken in excess, Da Huang can become toxic¹⁵. This is especially true when using fresh or improperly processed this herb. Overconsumption may result in nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, jaundice or liver damage. The toxicity risk is mainly due to its anthraquinone content.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it¹⁶, as it can potentially induce uterine contractions and negatively impact breastfeeding. Additionally, people with weak digestion or those suffering from ulcerative colitis should avoid this herb as it may aggravate symptoms.

3. Interaction with Medications

Da Huang may interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting the heart or blood pressure. Because it acts as a blood thinner, it could interfere with anticoagulant drugs, increasing the risk of bleeding¹⁷.

• Sheng Di Huang (生地黄) Herb: What It Is, Benefits, and Risks
• Hu Huang Lian (胡黄连) Herbal Medicine: A Complete Guide
• Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) Herb: What It Is, Benefits, and Risks
• Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus): Benefits, Risks, and More

How to Use it Safely

The standard dosage for Da Huang varies depending on the form and purpose of use. For internal use, 3 to 12 grams of it can be boiled into a tea. For purgative effects, it is often recommended to add the herb towards the end of the boiling process to preserve its potency¹⁸.

Topical applications, such as a Da Huang tea poultice, are commonly used to treat skin infections or shingles. In this method, the herb is ground into a powder and mixed with tea to form a paste, which is applied to the affected area¹⁹.

It’s always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal treatment, especially one as potent as Da Huang.

Conclusion

Da Huang is a powerful herb with a long history in traditional medicine. From its benefits in digestive health to its role in cardiovascular support and immune system modulation, this herb has much to offer. However, it must be used with caution due to its potential side effects and risks, especially in those with pre-existing health conditions.

For those considering Da Huang for its healing properties, it’s best to follow professional guidance to ensure safe and effective use.

1. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%A4%A7%E9%BB%84/15870236 ↩︎
2. http://szyyj.gd.gov.cn/zyyfw/ysbj/content/post_4016645.html ↩︎
3. 王磊, 张静泽, 高文远. 大黄活性成分药代动力学研究进展[J]. 中成药, 2011, 33(9): 1571-1574. ↩︎
4. 吴海峰, 汤俭芳, 葛志军, 等. 不同剂量生大黄鼻饲对重型颅脑损伤患者消化道功能的影响[J]. 护理学杂志: 外科版, 2013, 28(6): 16-17. ↩︎
5. https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/cmed/mmid/detail.php?lang=chs&crsearch=cmpid&pid=B00006&page=1&sort=name_cht ↩︎
6. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167758/nutrients ↩︎
7. Huang Q, Lu G, Shen H M, et al. Anti‐cancer properties of anthraquinones from rhubarb[J]. Medicinal research reviews, 2007, 27(5): 609-630. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/med.20094 ↩︎
8. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%A4%A7%E9%BB%84%E8%9C%9C%E8%8C%B6/11019580 ↩︎
9. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-022-09851-y ↩︎
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10552914/ ↩︎
11. Ibrahim E A, Abou Baker D H, El-Baz F K. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of rhubarb roots extract[J]. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res, 2016, 39(2): 93-9. https://www.academia.edu/download/77026494/17.pdf ↩︎
12. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1442297/full ↩︎
13. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814610015219 ↩︎
14. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13020-020-00370-6 ↩︎
15. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874110008676 ↩︎
16. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-214/rhubarb ↩︎
17. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874114002451 ↩︎
18. https://k.sina.cn/article_3069142707_b6ef66b300100ljgg.html ↩︎
19. https://m.cnpharm.com/201904/10/c276718.html ↩︎