Rhubarb extracts in treating complications of severe cerebral injury

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of the Chinese medicinal h erb, Rhubarb, on severe brain injury. Methods Rhubarb, extracts in ethyl alcohol and water were used to treat 20 patients with severe cerebral injury complicated by hyperthermia, renal fai lure, hemorrhage in the upper digestive tract, and increased intracranial p ressure. Vital signs, variations of Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and intracrani al pressure (ICP) of the patients were observed. The degree of hemorrhage i n the digestive tract and the change in creatinine value were also observed . Other 20 patients served as controls. Results The result of the treatment group was more marked than that of the control group. Three days after administration of the rhubarb extract, the body temperature decreased by 1.1 degrees C, ICP by 0.4 kPa (1 mm Hg = 0.13 33 kPa) on average, and the incidence of hemorrhage in the digestive tract by 30%. The volume of hemorrhage of the digestive tract decreased by 700 +/ - 250 mi, and the time for turning occult blood to negative by 10%. Conclusion The Chinese medical herb, rhubarb, has multiple therapeutic effe cts on severe brain injury.