Yellow Dock

Scientific Name(s): Rumex crispus L.
Common Name(s): Curled dock, Curly dock, Narrow dock, Rumex, Sour dock, Yellow dock

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

The roots of yellow dock exert a laxative effect; however, research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of yellow dock to treat any condition.

Dosing

There is no clinical evidence to support specific dosage recommendations for yellow dock, and caution is warranted because of its oxalate and tannin content. Dosages traditionally used include 2 to 4 tablespoons of the fresh root, or 2 to 4 g of the dry root in a tea 3 times a day for no longer than 8 to 10 days.

Contraindications

Due to its oxalate and tannin content, yellow dock products should not be consumed in patients with endometriosis, hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or nephropathy.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Adverse effects have been documented; contains anthraquinones.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

The oxalate content of the leaves may result in GI symptoms or kidney damage. Consumption of the uncooked leaves as a wild vegetable should be avoided. Consumption of large amounts of the root may cause diarrhea, nausea, and polyuria.

Toxicology

Information is limited.

Scientific Family

• Polygonaceae (buckwheat)

Botany

Yellow dock is a perennial herb native to Europe but found throughout the United States. The plant grows 1 to 2 m in height and has narrow, slender, light green leaves with undulated or curled edges (hence the common name "curly dock"). The flowers, which bloom in June and July, are borne in clusters on the branched stems, with shiny brown seeds encased within the calyx. The deep, spindle-shaped, yellow roots and rhizomes are used medicinally, while the leaves are harvested as a wild vegetable.Meyer 1934, USDA 2016

History

The leaf stalks of the plant, which are harvested in the spring and used as a potherb in salads, can be disagreeable to some because of their tart, sour-sweet taste. Due to its astringent properties, the plant has been used, generally unsuccessfully, in the treatment of venereal diseases and skin conditions. The powdered root has been used as a natural dentifrice. Larger amounts have been given as a laxative and tonic, and for other indications, including cancer. Ethnoveterinary uses have been documented.Duke 2002, Lans 2007

Chemistry

The plant contains oxalate, likely in the form of potassium oxalate crystals. Anthraquinones (eg, aglycones emodin, chrysophanic acid, physcion) have been identified, Duke 1992, Wianowska 2014 and the total anthraquinone content of the root (approximately 2%) exceeds that of medicinal rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum; 1.4%), another member of the Polygonaceae family.Tyler 1981 Large amounts of tannin exist in the roots; the vitamin, mineral, and fat content of the plant has also been described.Başkan 2007, Duke 1992, Fan 2009, Günaydin 2002

Uses and Pharmacology

Antimicrobial

Animal data

A study evaluating the antimalarial activity of nepodin, a compound extracted from R. crispus, demonstrated activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and reduced parasitemia in mice.Lee 2013 Ether and ethanol extracts of the pla...