Dried roots of shrub are used. It contains heterosides hydroxyanthracenes, especially antraquinones (aloe-emodin and rhein) and dianthrones (senosides). Pharmacokinetic properties are those of emodin. Used for constipation. Commission E of German Health Ministry recommends to use no longer than one week, and 20 to 30 mg /day of rhein. Long-term use may be harmful to the GI tract. Elective treatment of constipation is an appropriate fiber-rich diet and a healthy style of life.