Lavandula angustifolia and Cyperus rotundus Extract Treatments Ameliorate Copper Toxicity in Rats

TL;DR

This study shows that extracts from Lavandula angustifolia and Cyperus rotundus can reduce copper toxicity in rats by lowering oxidative stress and improving cognitive function.

Contribution

The novel finding is that both plant extracts effectively counteract copper-induced oxidative stress and cognitive decline in rats with similar efficacy.

Findings

Both plant extracts inhibited over 80% of DPPH radicals, indicating strong antioxidant activity.

Extracts reduced copper accumulation in the brain, liver, and kidneys while improving cognitive performance.

Treatment regulated gene expression related to oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to copper (Cu) induces oxidative stress, which causes neuronal damage and contributes to cognitive decline.

In this study, we assessed the free radical scavenging potential of Lavandula angustifolia and Cyperus rotundus extracts and compared their ability to counteract the harmful effects of copper in male rats. These plants were selected on the basis of their well‐documented antioxidant properties and traditional medicinal uses.

The results showed that both extracts inhibited over 80% of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals compared to control groups. Additionally, Cu accumulates in the rats’ kidneys, liver, and brain, impairing their cognitive performance and liver and kidney function. Exposure to copper also increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 levels and the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL1‐B, and Caspase‐3 genes while decreasing that of the BDNF. However, treatment with the herbal extracts significantly reduced Cu accumulation and improved the animals’ learning and memory. It also decreased MDA and H2O2 levels and regulated the genes’ expression against Cu‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the animals’ brains. The effectiveness of these extracts was almost similar.

These results highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of L. angustifolia and C. rotundus extracts in combating copper toxicity.

High levels of copper can lead to spatial learning and memory disorders. Extracts from L. angustifolia and C. rotundus have the potential to remove copper from the body and reduce its harmful effects. They achieve this by increasing the expression of the BDNF gene while decreasing the expression of IL‐6, IL1‐B, Caspase‐3, and TNF‐α genes in the hippocampus due to their antioxidant properties.

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