Effects of rhubarb on electrical and contractive activities of the isolated intestine in rats

The results indicate that electrical activity of colon is obviously excited by rhubarb (Rheum tanguticum). The characteristics of excitement is cybotaxis discharge. It has been found that the frequency and amplitude of spike potential increase obviously, and the contraction enhances. Spike potential frequency of duodenum excited by rhubarb is increased but that of jejunum is hardly excited. It has also been found that the exciting effect of rhubarb on colon can be blocked by atropine.