RHUBARB

n. Ru2b'a3rb. Gr., po, MOV. Lat,, rheum [U. 8. Ph.], rheubarbarum (i. e., rheum barbarum, foreign rhubarb), radix rhei [Ger. Ph., Dan. Ph., Belg. Ph., Norw. Ph., Swed. Ph. Ru . Ph., Swi Ph.]. rhei radix [Br. Ph., Gr. Ph.], r. (radicis sea menta) [Hung. Ph., 2d ed.], r. (radix) [Austr. Ph., Netherl. Ph.] rhizoma rhei [Finn. Ph.]. Yr.,rhubarbe (de Chine, ou de Moscovie ou de Perse) [Fr. Cod.]. Ger., Rhabarber, Rhabarbenrurzel. Sp. ruibarbo (rizoma 6 tallo aereo) [Sp. Ph.]. 1. Of the U. S. Ph., th( root of Rheum of ficin ale and other undetermined species of Rheum of the Br. Ph., the sliced and dried root of ''Rheum palmatum Rheum of ficin ale, and probably other species, collected and pared in China and Thibet." The botanical source of the commercial drug (see Chinese r.) has not been definitely ascertained, the various species supposed to yield it producing under cultivation in Europe roots lacking some of the characteristics of the Chinese drug. The differences, however, may be due to climate. R.-root contains chrysophan, rheotannic acid, emodin.a neutral substance, C, H 12O4, forming colorle crystals, several resins (see APORRHETIN and ERYTHRORHHETIN), an albuminoid principle insoluble in alcohol but soluble in water, mucilage (11 to 17 per cent.), extractive, tannic and gallic acids, sugar, starch, pectin, lignin, calcium oxalate, and various inorganic salts. All varieties of r.-root have the properties, though in a le er degree, of the Chinese drug. It is purgative and cholagogue, and in small doses (from 5 to lOgrains) a n'ild laxative and stomachic tonic. It is useful in dyspepsia attended with constipation or with deficient biliary and intestinal secretions, in cholera infantum. and in chronic dysentery, and is of special value in duodenal catarrh or catarrh of the biliary ducts with jaundice and in certain skin diseases. It is also applied in powder to indolent and sloughing ulcers. It is most effectual in substance, too; U2, blue: U3. lull; U4. full; U s. urn; U, like ii (German). [s. 405]