Phytochemical and Biological Characterization of Methanolic Extracts fromRumex algeriensisandRumex tunetanus

The present study is aimed at the evaluation of the phytochemical profile and the biochemical properties of methanolic extracts obtained from different parts ofRumex algeriensisandRumex tunetanus, two relict species limited to the North Africa. Phytochemical analyses of these extracts were performed using standard colorimetric procedures, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS, and their antioxidant/free radical scavenging capability was estimated through severalin vitrocell-free assays. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory potential of these extracts was demonstrated in anin vitromodel of acute intestinal inflammation using differentiated Caco-2 cells. The results showed that all the extracts appeared endowed with excellent antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties. In particular, the extracts from bothR. algeriensisandR. tunetanusflowers, and that fromR. algeriensisstems were characterized by a remarkable SOD-like and NO-scavenging activity, as well as by the capability to protect albumin against HClO-induced degradation. Furthermore, the extracts from flowers of bothRumexspecies, as well asR. algeriensisstems, showed an anti-inflammatory effect in intestinal epithelial cells, as demonstrated by the inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8. In conclusion,R. algeriensisandR. tunetanushave shown to be potential sources of bioactive products to be used in the prevention and treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress and inflammation.