Molecular Biological Effects of Gundelia tournefortii (Kenger Herb) Extract on Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cell Growth: Oxidative Stress and Protective Role

Gundelia tournefortii (Kenger plant) is traditionally used for liver diseases, diabetes, chest pain, heart failure, stomach pain, vitiligo, diarrhea, and bronchitis. Additionally, it is known for its purgative, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and antiemetic properties. This project investigates whether Gundelia tournefortii has a protective role against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, four groups were established: Control group; H2O2 group (15 millimolar); G. tournefortii group (10%); G. tournefortii (10%) + H2O2 (15 millimolar) group. S. cerevisiae cultures were grown at 30°C for 1, 3, 5, and 24-hour intervals. Cell growth periods, lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) analysis, glutathione (GSH) levels, and catalase activity (CAT) were measured using a spectrophotometer. The total protein concentration changes of S. cerevisiae cultures were determined by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and calculated using the Bradford method. As a result, in the H2O2 group, MDA levels increased, while GSH levels and CAT activity decreased, indicating increased oxidative stress. In the G. tournefortii group, MDA levels decreased, while GSH levels and CAT activity increased, suggesting that this plant has a protective effect. Compared to the H2O2 group, the G. tournefortii + H2O2 group showed increased cell growth and protein concentration, indicating that this group provided stronger cellular defense against oxidative damage, significantly improving cellular functions. Keywords: Gundelia tournefortii (Kenger plant), Hydrogen peroxide, Oxidative damage, Protein synthesis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.