Determination of antioxidant activity of arugula (Eruca sativa) plant grown with metal effect

In today's world, environmental pollution, the stressful nature of modern life, and the use of various drugs create negative effects not only on humans but also on all living organisms. These conditions lead to the generation of free radicals in the cells of living organisms. Free radicals oxidize cellular components, targeting important biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. This damage can result in cellular dysfunction and serious health problems. Oxidative stress is a state resulting from the damage inflicted on cells by free radicals.Free radicals can be formed during the natural metabolic processes of cells, but environmental factors can increase this formation. Oxidative stress can cause DNA mutations, protein structure degradation, and cell membrane damage. This condition contributes to the development of numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants are elements that neutralize free radicals and lessen oxidative stress. Antioxidants help maintain health by protecting cells. These molecules can be both endogenous (produced by the body) and exogenous (obtained from external sources). Dietary antioxidants include phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals derived from plant sources. Plants are rich sources of natural antioxidants and thus hold an important place in nutrition. Lately, the interest in natural herbal products has surged, and the antioxidant properties of many plants have been studied in detail. One of these plants, rocket (Eruca sativa), belongs to the Brassicaceae family and contains compounds with high antioxidant properties such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and carotenoids. Rocket, a part of the Brassicaceae (Cruciferous) family, is a plant commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. Known by its Latin name Eruca sativa, this plant is especially used in salads, as a garnish, and in various dishes due to its aromatic and slightly bitter taste. The rocket plant can grow to a height of approximately 20-100 cm, with green leaves and small white or yellowish flowers. The leaves are generally hairless, deeply lobed, and stalked. The flowers have four petals arranged in a cross shape. Rocket is often endorsed by nutritionists for its rich nutrient profile and beneficial health effects. Its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds make it a vital component of a healthy diet. Rocket is particularly abundant in vitamins K, A, and C, it also comprises essential minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals support the immune system, maintain bone health, and ensure the proper functioning of various biochemical processes in the body. Rocket contains compounds with high antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids, glucosinolates, and phenolic compounds. These compounds protect cells by reducing oxidative stress attributed to reactive molecules and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Rocket is rich in glucosinolates. These compounds can be converted into active compounds such as isothiocyanates in the body, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Thanks to its vitamin K content, rocket supports bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Its high vitamin A content protects vision health and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration. The fiber content regulates digestion and supports gut health. Research on the antioxidant activities of the rocket plant has further highlighted its positive effects on health. It has been observed that rocket's antioxidant capacity increases when exposed to metal stress. This situation reveals the protective properties of plant antioxidants against environmental stress factors. Studies measuring the antioxidant activities of rocket plants grown with different metal concentrations have provided important data in understanding this plant's adaptive defense mechanisms. Analyses using DPPH and CUPRAC methods have shown that metal stress can increase antioxidant activity. Considering the protective effects of antioxidants on health, the importance of consuming such plant sources through diet is emphasized once again. Future studies on the antioxidant activities of different plants and the effects of these activities on human health are crucial for discovering new natural antioxidant sources. Particularly, examining the antioxidant capacities of plants grown under different environmental conditions and stress factors will enhance the knowledge in this field. In this study, the antioxidant activities of rocket (Eruca sativa) cultivated with different concentrations of metals were determined. The research involved growing rocket seeds with various metal solutions (Pb+2, Na+, Fe+3, Co+2, Zn+2, Cd+2) at two different concentrations (15, 50 mg/L). As a control group, rocket plants were grown with only water. The plants were harvested when they reached sufficient size, dried, and extracted with ethanol solvent. The antioxidative properties of the extracted samples were assessed using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) scavenging activity, CUPRAC (Cupric ion reduction capacity) methods and total phenolic content assay.The results were evaluated based on DPPH inhibition value, CUPRAC and total phenolic content assay results. In the analyses conducted, an increase in antioxidant activities was observed in rocket plants grown with metal solutions compared to the control group. When examining the DPPH inhibition value and CUPRAC analysis results at a concentration of 700 μg/ml, an increase was detected in metal concentrations of 15 and 50 mg/L compared to the metal-free control group. Comparing different metal concentrations, it was observed that DPPH and CUPRAC values increased at 15 mg/L metal concentrations, but these values decreased again at 50 mg/L concentrations. These data indicate that the antioxidant activity of the rocket plant increases in response to stress when grown with metal solutions. The highest amount of total phenolic substances was observed in arugula plants grown at Co+2 50 values. In the second place, the lowest value was determined for Zn+2 at 50 and Fe+3 at 50. The rocket plant stands out not only as a delicious food source but also for its health benefits and high antioxidant content. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it can be an indispensable part of a healthy diet due to its vitamins and minerals.Future research can further elucidate the health effects of rocket and help us better understand its therapeutic potential.