# Dock (Rumex crispus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dock
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Rumex crispus, Yellow dock, Curly dock, Sour dock, Narrow dock, Garden patience, Rumex, Bitter dock

## Overview

Dock (Rumex crispus) contains nepodin compounds that demonstrate antimalarial activity with IC50 values of 151.4-161.6 μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum. The plant exhibits antibacterial properties through anthraquinone derivatives that disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis.

## Health Benefits

• May support antimalarial activity through nepodin compounds (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies showing IC50 values of 161.6-151.4 μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum)
• Demonstrates antibacterial properties against pathogens like Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas syringae (in vitro evidence only)
• Shows potential anticancer activity in cell lines including HCT116 and MCF-7 (preliminary laboratory studies)
• Contains bioavailable iron (30 mg/100g) that may support traditional use for anemia (no clinical validation)
• Exhibits [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects through high phenolic content including cardamonin at 74.0 mg/g dry weight (preclinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Dock's nepodin compounds interfere with Plasmodium falciparum parasites by disrupting cellular [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) at concentrations of 151.4-161.6 μg/mL. The anthraquinone derivatives inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by targeting peptidoglycan formation. These compounds also demonstrate membrane-disrupting activity against gram-positive bacteria like Bacillus cereus.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for dock comes primarily from in vitro studies examining antimalarial and antibacterial properties. Laboratory studies show nepodin compounds achieve IC50 values of 151.4-161.6 μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Antibacterial activity has been demonstrated against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas syringae in controlled laboratory conditions. Human clinical trials are lacking, limiting the translation of these preliminary findings to therapeutic applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Dock (Rumex crispus) leaves provide approximately 20-25 kcal per 100g fresh weight. Macronutrients: protein 2.0-2.5g/100g, carbohydrates 3.0-3.5g/100g, dietary fiber 2.5-3.0g/100g, fat 0.5-0.7g/100g. Key vitamins: vitamin C approximately 48-60mg/100g (notably high, though heat-sensitive and significantly reduced by cooking), vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene) approximately 2000-2500 μg/100g, vitamin K1 approximately 300-400 μg/100g, thiamine (B1) ~0.04mg/100g, riboflavin (B2) ~0.08mg/100g. Minerals: iron 2.0-2.4mg/100g (however bioavailability is substantially reduced by high oxalic acid content of 300-700mg/100g, which binds iron and calcium into insoluble oxalates), calcium 44-60mg/100g (similarly oxalate-bound, reducing net absorption), potassium approximately 390-420mg/100g (relatively bioavailable), magnesium ~50mg/100g, phosphorus ~60mg/100g. Bioactive compounds: oxalic acid 300-700mg/100g (primary antinutrient; contraindicated in individuals with kidney stones or gout), anthraquinone glycosides including emodin and chrysophanol ~0.1-0.3% dry weight (contribute to laxative effect), nepodin (naphthalene derivative) identified as key antimalarial compound, tannins approximately 1.5-3.0% dry weight (condensed and hydrolysable forms contributing astringency and antibacterial properties), flavonoids including quercetin and hyperoside ~0.3-0.8% dry weight, stilbenoids. Bioavailability notes: the high oxalate content is the dominant bioavailability concern, significantly limiting calcium and iron absorption from this source; blanching or boiling and discarding cooking water reduces oxalate content by approximately 30-50%; not recommended as a primary mineral source despite apparent mineral richness on paper.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for humans. Preclinical studies used 70% ethanol root extracts for antimalarial research and various solvent extracts containing up to 74 mg/g dry weight phenolics, but human dosing remains unspecified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dock contains oxalates and anthraquinones that may cause gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances with excessive use. The plant may interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on vitamin K absorption. High oxalate content contraindicated in individuals with kidney stones or renal dysfunction. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, requiring caution during these periods.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for Rumex crispus in the research. Evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies examining [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), anticancer, and antimalarial effects, with no PMIDs for human trials available.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In European and Native American herbalism, yellow dock root has been used for centuries as a blood purifier, tonic, laxative, and astringent for constipation, skin conditions, and anemia. It served as a mild purgative, antiscorbutic, and depurative remedy, with usage documented in historical pharmacopeias.

## Synergistic Combinations

Iron supplements, vitamin C, dandelion root, burdock root, nettle leaf

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in dock root?

Dock root contains nepodin as the primary bioactive compound, along with anthraquinone derivatives. Nepodin demonstrates antimalarial activity with IC50 values of 151.4-161.6 μg/mL against Plasmodium falciparum parasites in laboratory studies.

### How much dock root should I take daily?

No standardized dosage exists for dock root due to lack of human clinical trials. Traditional preparations use 2-4 grams of dried root as tea, but this lacks scientific validation. Consult healthcare providers before use given potential oxalate toxicity.

### Can dock root help with bacterial infections?

Laboratory studies show dock root exhibits antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas syringae through anthraquinone compounds. However, human clinical trials are absent, making it unsuitable as a primary treatment for bacterial infections without medical supervision.

### Is dock root safe during pregnancy?

Dock root safety during pregnancy is unknown due to insufficient research data. The high oxalate content and anthraquinone compounds pose potential risks to maternal and fetal health. Pregnant women should avoid dock root supplementation.

### Does dock root interact with blood thinners?

Dock root may interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin by affecting vitamin K absorption due to its oxalate content. This could potentially enhance bleeding risk. Individuals on blood-thinning medications should consult physicians before using dock root.

### What does research show about dock root's antimalarial potential?

In vitro studies have identified nepodin compounds in dock root with antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, showing IC50 values of 151.4–161.6 μg/mL in laboratory conditions. However, this evidence is preliminary and limited to cell-based research; human clinical trials are needed to establish safety and efficacy for malaria prevention or treatment. Dock root should not be considered a replacement for proven antimalarial medications.

### Who should avoid dock root supplementation?

Individuals taking anticoagulant medications, those with oxalate-sensitive conditions (such as kidney stones), and people with iron absorption issues should consult a healthcare provider before using dock root. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid supplementation due to limited safety data. Children and the elderly may require dose adjustments based on individual health status and medication interactions.

### What is the difference between dock root's in vitro antibacterial activity and real-world effectiveness?

Laboratory studies show dock root exhibits antibacterial properties against pathogens like Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas syringae in controlled cell culture conditions. However, in vitro results do not directly translate to human efficacy—factors like bioavailability, stomach acid, and the body's immune system significantly affect whether these compounds reach pathogens at effective concentrations. Clinical trials in humans are required to validate whether dock root can effectively treat bacterial infections.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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