Rhubarb Helps To Fight Cancer

Rhubarb is an herbal plant used in the Chinese medicine for centuries. The plant is grown from a rhizome and the long and pink fleshy petioles are used for cooking and eating. Rhubarb belongs to the family polygonaceae and grown in several parts of the world. The plant is cultivated mainly for obtaining the long stalks which are edible. The leaves contain oxalates and are toxic if they are consumed. Hence leaves are not useful.

The edible part of the plant is used in the preparation of jams, sauces along with other fruits. Besides its culinary use rhubarb is used for medicinal purpose because of its laxative affect on the gastro intestinal tract. It exerts an astringent action on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasal cavity. The roots are used in the Chinese traditional medicine. It has got several medicinal uses. It is used as a laxative, antiphlogestic, and to treat jaundice. It is used by Chinese traditional medicine to treat tumors.

A recent study made on this herb revealed that it releases chemicals called ‘Polyphenols’ when it is boiled for 20 minutes which have got a capacity to kill the cancer cells. Dr Nikki Jordan-Mahy, of the university’s Biomedical Research Centre conducted research and reported that the British rhubarb has got lot of pharmacological agents and can be used to manufacture anti cancer drugs.

The research team has also reported that the rhubarb when grown in candle light develops more dark stalks which are higher in polyphenols than the common variety. Article by Dr.G.B.Haranath

Related Stories

• Oats Improves The Brain Power