Use of Rheum emodi extract for preparing drugs for preventing and treating fatty liver diseases

The invention discloses the new use of Rheum emodi extract and in particular relates to the use of Rheum emodi extract for preparing drugs for preventing and treating fatty liver diseases. The study in an animal model of fatty liver disease proves that the Rheum emodi extract which is obtained by percolation-leaching Rheum emodi with ethanol and then eluting with ethanol and the compound 3,5,3',4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside can significantly inhibit expression of CYP2E in liver cells and can inhibit lipogenesis in liver cells by down-regulating PPAR-gamma expression. Accordingly, the Rheum emodi extract has a significant protective effect on the experimental animals with fatty liver diseases due to different causes and can be applied to preparation of drugs for treating or preventing fatty liver diseases.