Exploring the Multifaceted Healing Powers of Turnip Leaves from Saudi Arabia: Chemical Composition, Anti-Ulcer, Antibacterial, and Apoptosis Regulatory Properties

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of turnip leaves powder (TLP) for treating pepticulcers and bacterial infections, focusing on its phytochemical composition and bioactivity. GC-MS analysis showed that the major bioactive components identified in TLP were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, ageratriol, 2-hexadecanol, 7,10,13-hexadecatrienoic acid methyl ester, methyl tetradecanoate, 2-myristynoyl pantetheine, linalool and 9-hexadecenoic acid. TLP significantly reduced the size of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats by 79.7%, which was comparable to that caused by omeprazole (85%). In addition, TLP treatment caused a significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, with the most significant decrease observed in TNF-α (89.6 %) and IL-1β (87.2 %). Conversely, treatment with TLP increased anti- inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IFN-γ, demonstrating a balanced immunological response that favours ulcer healing. Finally, treatment with TLP decreased apoptosis indicators; caspase-3 and caspase-9 and showed significant antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains.