[Influences of different initial processing methods on Rheum palmatum].

To choose the optimum initial processing methods of Rheum palmatum.Fresh crude Rheum palmatum was sliced and dealt with the different drying methods such as sun drying, shady drying, microwave heating and various temperatures drying. The content of the Anthraquinones derivatives, slicing colors and dried rates were used as evaluation indexes. The sliced Rheum palmatum was compared with the traditional processing.Sliced fresh crude Rheum palmatum had the low content of the Anthraquinones derivatives and dry rates, slicing colours had obviously changes. For various drying methods, smoking drying was superior to sun drying, shady drying, microwave heating and various temperatures drying methods.Fresh crude Rheum palmatum is not suitable for slicing processing. The best drying method is smoking drying.