Received: 13 May 2026
Accepted: 09 June 2026
Published online: 17 June 2026
UDC 615.011:582.665.11(574)
DOI: 10.53511/pharmkaz.2026.3.14
PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY PERSPECTIVES OF KAZAKHSTANI
RHEUM SPECIES
Sabyrova A.B. ¹, Ibadullayeva G.S. ¹, Khozhamkul R.A. ², Sakipova Z.B. ¹, Otarova F.A. ¹, Suleimenov M.K. ¹, Zhaparkulova K.A. ¹, Bekezhanova T.S. ¹
¹ Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
² Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Introduction. Medicinal plants remain the most important source of bioactive compounds for modern medicine. The genus Rheum is widely used in therapy; however, most research has focused solely on pharmacopoeial species such as R. palmatum. Meanwhile, the rich flora of Kazakhstan possesses significant potential, yet local rhubarb species have not been properly systematised. The aim of this review is to summarise and analyse data on the phytochemical composition and biological activity of Rheum species growing in Kazakhstan in order to assess their prospects as sources of new medicinal substances.
Methods. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and Reaxys up to 2026 using Rheum species names. Articles reporting phytochemical or biological activity data on Kazakhstani rhubarb taxa were included.
Results and discussion. A review of Kazakhstani species of the genus Rheum L. was conducted, comprising 10 confirmed taxa predominantly restricted to the eastern and south-eastern regions of Kazakhstan. It was established that representatives of the genus Rheum are characterised by marked ecological and taxonomic diversity and occupy mountainous, alpine, steppe, desert and rocky ecotopes. Over 70 compounds were identified in their phytochemical profile, among which anthraquinones, flavonoids, stilbenoids, phenylbutanoids and phenolic acids are the most common, with the greatest accumulation of biologically active compounds observed in roots and rhizomes. Rheum compactum remains the most thoroughly studied species, whereas for Rheum tataricum, Rheum turkestanicum, Rheum cordatum, Rheum spiciforme and Rheum maximowiczii data have been accumulated confirming antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, nephroprotective and antitumour activity.
Conclusion. The obtained results indicate significant potential of Kazakhstani Rheum species and highlight the need for further study of under-researched taxa as promising sources of new medicinal substances. Further investigation of these species appears particularly promising in view of the potential for discovering new bioactive metabolites, standardising plant raw materials and conducting in-depth pharmacological evaluation. Given the differences already identified in their chemical profile and spectrum of activity, Kazakhstani rhubarb species can be regarded as an important resource for the development of herbal preparations and new natural compounds with therapeutic potential.
Keywords: Rheum L., Kazakhstan, phytochemical composition, biological activity, anthraquinones, flavonoids, stilbenoids, review.
