Biochemical Activity and Hypoglycemic Effects of Rumex obtusifolius L. Seeds Used in Armenian Traditional Medicine

Isolation and biological activities of compounds from Rumex vesicarius L. and their use as a component of a synbiotic preparation

The study evaluated prebiotic potential and the enzyme inhibition of extracts and isolated compounds of Rumex vesicarius (ruby dock), family Polygonaceae. Eight known compounds were identified in the roots of R. vesicarius. Extracts and compounds (1-8) increased the growth rate of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 differentially compared to controls. The highest prebiotic index (PI) and activity score was recorded for EcN in the presence of compound 4, followed by, in descending order, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and total methanol extracts. The compounds and extracts reduced protease, α-amylase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme activities. This inhibitory activity was positively correlated with PI, P_score, µ_u, and Y_max. These findings suggest that R. vesicarius is a good source of potential prebiotic and can boost beneficial bacteria. It may also be considered promising for treatment of diabetes mellitus, controlling weight, and regulating blood pressure.

The genus Rumex (Polygonaceae): an ethnobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological review

Rumex L., a genus in Polygonaceae family with about 200 species, is growing widely around the world. Some Rumex species, called "sorrel" or "dock", have been used as food application and treatment of skin diseases and hemostasis after trauma by the local people of its growing areas for centuries. To date, 29 Rumex species have been studied to contain about 268 substances, including anthraquinones, flavonoids, naphthalenes, stilbenes, diterpene alkaloids, terpenes, lignans, and tannins. Crude extract of Rumex spp. and the pure isolates displayed various bioactivities, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, cardiovascular protection and antiaging activities. Rumex species have important potential to become a clinical medicinal source in future. This review covers research articles from 1900 to 2022, fetched from SciFinder, Web of Science, ResearchGate, CNKI and Google Scholar, using "Rumex" as a search term ("all fields") with no specific time frame set for the search. Thirty-five Rumex species were selected and summarized on their geographical distribution, edible parts, traditional uses, chemical research and pharmacological properties.

Effect of Crude Leaves Extract of Bersama Abyssinica on Blood Glucose Level and Serum Lipid Level of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice: Evidence for In vivo Antidiabetic Activity

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major and common metabolic, and chronic disorders in the world. Several medicinal plants have been used globally for the management of diabetes mellitus. The current study aimed to study the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Bersama abyssinica.

METHODS

Antidiabetic effect of 80% methanolic crude extract of Bersama abyssinica was studied in repeated dose-treated STZ-induced diabetic mice model. The activities of Bersama abyssinica on serum lipid level and body weight were investigated on STZ-induced diabetic mice. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and significant when the p-value was less than 0.05.

RESULTS

All doses of the crude 80% methanolic extract of Bersama abyssinica (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) exhibited a noticeable BGL reduction when compared with baseline blood glucose level and diabetic control on the 7th and 14th days of administration. Moreover, the higher dose of the extract (at 400 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001, 54.3%) decreased the BGL in STZ-induced diabetic mice. The maximum decrement in fasting BGL was achieved at the 14th days: 34.92%, 41.10%, 54.30%, and 59.66%, respectively for BAC 100 mg/kg, BAC 200 mg/kg, BAC 400 mg/kg, and GLC 5 mg/kg treated groups. Bersama abyssinica also displayed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of serum lipid levels and body weight.

CONCLUSION

Bersama abyssinica crude extract exhibited a significant antidiabetic effect and prevented body weight loss in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The finding also confirmed the valuable biochemical activity of Bersama abyssinica by improving serum lipid levels.

Antiviral and Antinematodal potentials of chitosan: Review

For many years, chemical pesticides have been performed to control different pests and diseases and this may be due to their broad spectrum of action, easy of application and the relatively low cost. But these chemicals have environmental risks, thus alternative control agents are needed. Chitosan is one of the novel suggested solutions to reduce the economic losses associated with chemical pesticides. Chitosan is naturally-occurring compound, as well as safe and biodegradable which obtained from certain natural sources. Chitosan have unique properties which help to control viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, plant nematodes and other pests locally and systemically.

Variation in Phenolic Compounds Content and Antioxidant Activity of Different Plant Organs from Rumex crispus L. and Rumex obtusifolius L. at Different Growth Stages

The study investigated the accumulation of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of extracts of various parts of R. crispus and R. obtusifolius, collected at the flowering stage and the fruiting stage. Half of the collected plants were divided into root, stem, leaves, and reproductive organs (inflorescence). The other half was used to study the vertical distribution of biologically active components and antioxidants throughout the plant. The samples were analyzed for total catechins content, total proanthocyanidins content, total phenolic content, and total antioxidant activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'azinobis(3)ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays). All analyses were performed in four replicates. In general, a similar trend was observed in the distribution of phenolic compounds in the studied species. The maximum content of these secondary metabolites was noted in the reproductive organs, both in the flowering and fruiting period. Stems were characterized by a minimum content of the studied classes of substances. The antioxidant activity of the sorrels studied parts can be arranged in the following order: the generative part (flowers, seeds) > leaves > root > stem (for flowering and fruiting stages). It was found that parts of the root closer to the stem differed in higher activity.