Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Its Attenuation Methods / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ABSTRACT

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is a common medicine in clinic, which is widely used for a variety of diseases,such as constipation, jaundice, peptic ulcer, bacillary dysentery. In recent years, there have been many cases of clinical abuse and increasing number of adverse reactions about Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. Many reports concerned with its toxicity have drawn more and more attention at home and abroad. This review makes a brief summary on the toxicity research of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma in recent years in the aspects of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and its corresponding toxicity-controlling methods. Liver and kidney toxicity of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma was explained in various aspects, including liver and kidney biochemical indicators, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, gene and protein expression and signaling pathway. Besides, the attenuation methods of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were summarized in aspects of processing and compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine. In conclusion, this study explains hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma objectively, and explore relevant toxicological mechanisms, in order to provide proper reference for its further research and the safety of clinical use.