Rumex conglomeratus Murr. Grown Wild in Syria: Phytochemical Analysis and in Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Aerial Parts and Rhizomes Extracts

Rumex conglomeratus Murr. (Polygonaceae), has been traditionally used to treat various conditions including skin-ailments, infections, constipation, and cancer. The medicinal importance of Rumex plants stems from their richness in many bioactive secondary metabolites. This study represents the first report on the chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of Rumex conglomeratus aerial parts and rhizomes extracts. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared and preliminary phytochemical screening tests were conducted. Total phenols, flavonoids, and anthraquinones contents were determined, along with the antioxidant activities, using colorimetric methods and a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The results revealed that R. conglomeratus is a rich source of secondary metabolites. Rhizomes ethanolic extract showed the highest content of phenols (502.55 ± 1.36 mg GAE/g DE) and anthraquinones (6.71 ± 0.106 mg RhE/g DE). It also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity as DPPH free radical scavengers (IC50 = 5.40 ± 0.380 mg/L), and as reducing agents in the FRAP assay (0.230 ± 0.004 at 200 mg/L), and TAC assay (321.41 ± 6.94 mg AAE/g DE). These findings suggest the potential use of R. conglomeratus as a potent antioxidant or even as a laxative agent. However, further research is essential to confirm the safety and efficacy, emphasizing the importance of continued exploration to isolate and identify the biologically active compounds.