Evaluation of Rumex crispus extracts as novel matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) inhibitors

Matrix metalloproteinases are responsible for breaking down extracellular matrix and MMP-8 is an interstitial collagenase, modulates TNF-α, which may explain neuroinflammation [1]. It plays crucial roles on various cancer types and diseases such as obesity and rheumatoid arthritis [1 – 2]. In such diseases, inhibition of MMP-8 could be a part of treatment strategy, so we aim to inhibit MMP-8 by Rumex crispus extracts. Rumex species (Polygonaceae) contain anthranoids, tannins, flavonoids and naphthalenes as secondary metabolites and have various biological effects [3].

Standardized n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and ethanol:water (70:30) extracts were prepared from roots, leaves and fruits and inhibitory effects on MMP-8 were investigated. NNGH was used as potent MMP-8 inhibitor. Inhibitor activities of all extracts were measured in 50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, 200 µg/mL, 300 µg/mL, 400 µg/mL and 800 µg/mL concentrations at 412nm. The aqueous alcoholic extracts showed the highest inhibitory effect among other extracts at all concentrations. Inhibition values were 86.25% for root extracts, 84.48% for leaf extracts and 87.30% for fruit extracts, while NNGH was 93.88%. This study shows that aqueous alcoholic extracts of Rumex crispus may be potential novel MMP-8 inhibitors.

This study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) (Project No:SBAG-214S147).

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