Biological activity and food potential of plants Rumex crispus L. and Rumex obtusifolius L. – a review

Abstract

Rumex crispus L. and Rumex obtusifolius L. (Poligonaceae) are perennial wild plants. For centuries these plants have been considered weeds in conventional agriculture. They have also been recognized as a serious problem in organic agriculture, as they are difficult to control without the use of chemical agents. However, Rumex crispus L. and Rumex obtusifolius L. are used worldwide in human nutrition and traditional medicine. They are available both in periods of abundance and in difficult times, and can be an important source of nutrients. As wild growing plants, with use in diet and traditional medicine, R. crispus and R. obtusifolius present potential sources of new therapeutic agents. This paper provides an overview of previous research for the plants Rumex crispus L. and Rumex obtusifolius L. in terms of their nutritional value, use in traditional medicine, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.