Rhus microphylla leaves extracts obtained by ohmic heating: Physicochemical composition and bioactive properties

Rhus microphylla Engel. Ex A. Gray is a traditional plant used in folk medicine for various conditions, yet research on its biological potential is limited. It is important to explore its biological effects and associated bioactive compounds, aiming to propose natural alternatives for pharmaceuticals and sustainable agriculture. Thus, this study aims to assess the bioactive properties of its leaves (RmL) through various extracts, including aqueous and hydroalcohol (1:1), obtained by means of ohmic heating extraction for 5 and 10 min (A5, A10, H5, H10). The extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant, antiproliferative, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities. Aqueous extraction demonstrated higher recovery of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and catechin, while other compounds were also detected in lower concentrations (epicatechin gallate, ferulic acid, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, and myricetin). All extracts showed antiproliferative activity against the A549 cell line (lung cancer), with less effect on the HeLa cell line (human cervix carcinoma), while none exhibited cytotoxicity against the noncancerous ARPE-19 cell line. Aqueous extracts displayed notable antimicrobial effects, particularly A10 against Staphylococcus aureus. In insecticidal assessments, H5 emerged as the most effective treatment against Musa domestica and Plutella xylostella. This study pioneers the evaluation of RmL extracts, revealing promising bioactivity with selective extraction conditions for further applications in various industrial fields.