Comprehensive Bioactivities and Phytochemical Profiling of <i>Rumex vesicarius</i> : 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.