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

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.