Simultaneous quantitative screening of 53 phytochemicals from Rheum tataricum L. roots: a comparative study of supercritical CO2, subcritical ethanol, and ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhanced antioxidant, antibacterial activities, and molecular docking study

What if the key to powerful new antioxidants and antibiotics was hiding in a desert rhubarb root? Scientists just screened 53 phytochemicals from Rheum tataricum using green extraction methods—and the results are promising.

Forget harsh chemicals—scientists are turning to green extraction techniques to unlock nature's medicine cabinet. In a new study, researchers compared three eco-friendly methods—supercritical CO2, subcritical ethanol, and ultrasound-assisted extraction—to pull phytochemicals from the roots of Rheum tataricum, a plant with traditional uses. Using LC-MS/MS, they quantified 53 phytochemicals in the extracts, with catechin, epicatechin, cyranoside, and chlorogenic acid standing out as the most abundant.

The extracts were then tested for antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Ultrasound-assisted extraction produced the strongest antioxidants, with DPPH radical scavenging IC50 values ranging from 0.0173 to 0.0400 mg/mL. The highest total phenolic content was found in the UAE-M-4h extract at 213.44 mg GAE/mL. Against bacteria, several extracts—including those from UAE-MeOH-2h-4h, UAE-EtOH-2h-4h, Sbc-EtOH-E-140-60-80, Sc-90 atm, and Sc-400 atm—showed activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains.

This study not only highlights the potential of Rheum tataricum as a source of bioactive compounds but also shows that green extraction can be both effective and sustainable. Molecular docking studies further hint at how these compounds might interact with biological targets, paving the way for future drug development.

Key Points

• 53 phytochemicals quantified in Rheum tataricum extracts via LC-MS/MS.
• Ultrasound extraction gave strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 0.0173–0.0400 mg/mL).
• Several extracts inhibited both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.