Antioxidant potential, biochemical activity and hypoglycemic effects of R. obtusifolius L. seed extracts used in Armenian traditional medicine

Abstract

The diversity of plants in Armenia is due to the singularity of natural environment. However, biochemical activity of these plants has not been studied well. The goal was to investigate biological activities as well as antihyperglycemic properties of Rumex obtusifolius L. in rabbits with hyperglycemia. According to obtained data, R. obtusifolius extracts possessed high antioxidant activity in chemical-based tests. GS/MS analysis of its methanol extracts allowed identification of several compounds, which could have high contribution on biological activities. The sub-cytotoxic concentration of investigated extract was 10 mgmL-1on Murine microglial BV-2 WT cell lines. Oral administration of ethanol extract showed significant effect on hyperglycemia, reducing fasting glucose levels (57.3%, p<0.05) and improving glucose tolerance. These findings suggest that R. obtusifolius extracts could be source of new biologically active compounds and recommended for treatment of diabetes mellitus.