Comparative phytochemical profiling of Olive and Mulberry extracts: Antioxidant capacity and cytoprotective effects against Cd- induced toxicity

This work investigates the anti-oxidant as well as cytoprotective properties of aqueous extract from olive (Olea europaea) and white mulberry (Morus alba) leaves against cadmium-induced colorectal cancer toxicities (HCT- 116) and renal (HEK-293) cell lines. The olive aqueous extract (OAE) exhibited the highest extraction yield (21.10 %) and was notably rich in polyphenols (48.25 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (435.10 mg QE/g) compared to the mulberry aqueous extract (MAE). HPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed significant differences in their phytochemical profiles, with OAE containing a higher concentration of key bioactive components, comprising caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and rutin. Antioxidant potential was assessed through radical scavenging assays, ferric reducing power and total antioxidant capacity, where OAE demonstrated superior activity. Moreover, cytoprotective effects were evaluated via mitochondrial activity assays, lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and ROS (reactive oxygen species) production. Outcomes indicate that OAE significantly reduced oxidative stress and exhibited greater protective effects against Cd-induced toxicity than MAE, enhancing cell viability and mitigating oxidative damage. These data suggest that OAE is a promising source of natural antioxidants with potential therapeutic and functional food applications.