Rheum palmatum

The plant Rheum palmatum, called Indian rhubarb in North America and also used in traditional Chinese medicine is rich in anthraquinones and other biologically active compounds.

Antiviral activity
Extracts of the plant have shown activity against hepatitis B virus.

Antineoplastic activity
Aloe-emodin (1,8-dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-anthraquinone) is an active component from the root and rhizome of R. palmatum. Activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 is an important determinant of apoptotic death induced by aloe-emodin. These results suggest that aloe-emodin induces cell death in a human lung squamous cell carcinoma line, CH27, by the Bax and Fas death pathway.

Indian rhubarb is a constituent of the herbal cancer treatment, Essiac.