Comprehensive Bioactivities and Phytochemical Profiling of Rumex vesicarius: Antioxidant Potential, Anti-Diabetic Properties, and Anti-Biofilm Effects Under Thermal Treatment

This study investigates the effect of thermal treatment on the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of Rumex vesicarius, focusing on its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-biofilm properties. Quantitative analysis showed that at ambient temperature, the extract had the highest phenolics (57.89 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (19.45 mg QE/g), tannins (12.78 mg CE/g), flavonols (6.48 mg), and anthraquinones (2.078 mg). At 60°C, it retained significant phenolics (52.89 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (18.45 mg QE/g) with minimal degradation. At 90°C, phenolics decreased slightly (43.59 mg GAE/g), but enzymatic inhibition and antimicrobial properties improved. β-Carotene stability varied, with untreated extract at a minimum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 118.136 µg/mL. Peak antioxidant activity was at 150°C (IC₅₀ = 102.77 µg/mL), with degradation above 150°C. Antidiabetic potential, via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, showed the lowest IC₅₀ values (92.106 µg/mL for both) at 90°C. Beyond 120°C, IC₅₀ rose to 268.35 µg/mL (α-amylase) and 268.31 µg/mL (α-glucosidase) at 210°C. Anti-biofilm activity peaked at 90°C (IC₅₀ = 33.55 µg/mL), with untreated and 60°C extracts showing strong inhibition (∼80%-90%). Above 90°C, inhibition dropped, reaching IC₅₀ of 253.53 µg/mL at 210°C. Moderate heating (60-90°C) optimizes bioactive availability, positioning R. vesicarius for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.