Uses : — The roots of the several species of Rheum, described above, inhabiting the elevated portions of Himalaya, constitute the principal portion of the Indian or Himalayan Rhubarb. There are two principal varieties, 1. The large (from R. Emodi ?) ; occurs in twisted or cylindrical pieces of various sizes and shapes, furrowed; cut obliquely at the extremities, about four inches long and an inch and a half in diameter; of a dark brown colour, feeble rhubarb odour, and bitter astringent taste ; texture radiated, rather spongy, not presenting on fracture the marbled texture characteristic of ordinary rhubarb ; pulverized with difficulty ; powder of a dull brownish yellow colour. 2. The small (from R. Webbianum) ; consists of short transverse segments of the root branches ; of a dark-brownish colour, odourless, or nearly so, with a very bitter astringent taste. Both kinds are liable to 'considerable variation in physical characters. The trials made with Himalayan rhubarb by Prof. Royle (Calcutta Med. Phys. Trans., vol. iii. p. 439), and Mr. Twining (Diseases of Bengal, vol. i. p. 220), were productive of satisfactory results ; the latter authority, indeed, regarded it as superior to imported rhubarb as a stomachic tonic. Subsequent experience has not confirmed this view. The general tenor of all the reports received from India in which this drug is noticed is to the effect that the indigenous rhubarb procured in the bazaars is generally worthless, and unfitted to replace the imported article. Dr. Hugh Cleghorn (Madras Quart. Med. Journ., 1862, vol. v., p. 464), who furnishes some interesting remarks on Himalayan Rhubarb, states that it is only an inferior variety that reaches the plains of Hindustan. He tested the action of the fresh root, and found it resemble that of Russian Rhubarb. Cultivated with due care, there is reason to believe that a good serviceable drug, equal to Chinese or Turkish Rhubarb, might be obtained from the Himalayan plants. (Ph. Ind.)
In the Second Rept. of Indig. Drugs Coram, (p. 71) Captn. W. M. Anderson, I.M.S., who used the powder, gives his opinion, as to the value of the drug, as follows : —
" Not satisfactory as a purgative ; requires to be given in 5 — 10 gr. doses ; is very liable to gripe and is irregular in its action. In some cases the bowels were only opened after repeated doses."
