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

Highlights:

• The most important points in our manuscript:

• Eight compounds; five phenolic, two sterols, and one sugar derivative were identified from the roots of R. vesicarius.

• All compounds and extracts promoted the growth of E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN).

• The highest prebiotic index and activity score was recorded for EcN in the presence of the sugar derivative.

• The tested compounds and different extracts reduced the protease, α- amylase, and ACE activities.

• Correlation analysis demonstrated that the inhibitory activity against the tested enzymes is positively correlated with PI, P_score, µ_u, and Y_max.

Abstract

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.