In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity and DNA Protective Potential of Phenolic-Rich Extracts from Selected Brassicaceae Species

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive characterization of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and genotoxicity of five wild species of the Iraqi cruciferous family. Rich in bioactive compounds, these plants offer promising natural resources for health and nutritional applications, particularly for the prevention of oxidative DNA damage. This study systematically evaluates the phytochemical profile, DPPH antioxidant potential, and genotoxicity of five Iraqi Brassicaceae species, identifying key bioactive compounds and their protective efficacy on human lymphocyte DNA against hydrogen peroxide damage.  Five species of the Iraqi cruciferous family were extracted Antioxidant activity was compared using the DPPH assay with vitamin C. The extracts were also tested for their ability to protect human lymphocyte DNA from oxidative damage and assessed for genotoxicity. E. vesicaria demonstrated superior efficacy in removing DPPH free radicals (>85%), surpassing vitamin C (~80%), followed by D. harra (~70%). E. vesicaria extract showed remarkable protective efficacy against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes, completely preventing DNA fragmentation and preserving strand integrity (at a level of 1.2 base pairs of destructive activity compared to 1000 base pairs in the hydrogen peroxide-damaged group). E. vesicaria and D. harra are potent natural antioxidants rich in phenolics, their strong DNA protection and high antioxidant activity make them promising candidates for Iraq's functional food and health sector.