The product is extracted from the root and rhizoma of polygonaceae plants such as Rheum Palmaytum L., R.fflcinale Baill, and R.tangulicum Maxim. ex Balf. The distributions of three raw materials is different in China, eg. Rheum Palmaytum L. at regions and procinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Sichuan and Xizang. R. fflcinal Baill at Shanxi, Hebei, Sichuan, and Yunnan. R.tangulicum Maxim.ex Balf at Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan and Xizang.

The medicinal materials of Rhubarb containing 3% anthraquinone composition which including Chrysophanol with the characters of dissociation and combination, Rhein, Aloe-emodin, Emodin, and Physcion. The main composition of diarrhoea is Sennoside A, B, and C of Rheinanthrone, the  Sennoside is an active ingredient in effect among of the composition. In addition, containing about 5% Tannin material and dissociating Gallic acid 3,4, cinnamic acid and its esters composition. The leaf containing Quercitrin Glycosides, especially most Hyperoside included at the leaf of Rheum Palmaytum L. The Character id cold and bitter.