Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is seleccted in all published editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Edition 2010)[1], Rhei Radix et Rhizoma is obtained from radix and rhizoma of three species of rheum plants (polygonaceae), Rheum palmatum L., Rheum tangguticum Maxim. ex Balf., and Rheum officinale Baill.. However, there are some false species which are illegally adulterated in Rhei Radix et Rhizoma known or unknown by some manufacturers. In this study, a set of comprehensive analytical methods, including macro/microscopic technology, TLC, HPLC, LC-MS etc., was developed for identification and quality control of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. The methods were practical and efficient.
References: [1] Chp. (2010), I: 22. [2] Zheng Jun-hua, Guo De-an. Modern Research on Rhubarb. Beijing, Peking University Medical Press (2007)
