Evaluation of the antioxidant effect of extracted Juniperus Phoenicia L. on the neurotoxicity induced by Acetamiprid pesticide exposure in rats.

Abstract

Acetamiprid (ACE), a widely used neonicotinoid pesticide, is effective in pest control but raises health and environmental concerns due to its potential toxicity to non-target organisms like mammals. This study investigated ACE's repercussions on stress parameters in rats and the protective effects of Juniperus phoenicea L. (JNP) extract against pesticide-induced neurotoxicity in Albino-Wistar rats. 28 female rats were divided into four groups: control (C), (JNP) extract alone, exposed (ACE), and a combination of (JNP+ACE). The 30-day oral gavage treatment involved 20mg/kg/day of ACE and 200mg/kg/day of JNP decoction. Behavioral assessments (open field, elevated plus maze, forced swim tests) analyzed anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and locomotor activity. Oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and protein levels were measured in brain tissue. Findings showed ACE exposure reduced body and brain weight, increased anxiety and depressive-like behaviors, and disrupted oxidative balance. This was evidenced by decreased GSH and GST, and elevated CAT activity, indicating oxidative stress and neuronal damage. Crucially, co-administering JNP extract ameliorated these behavioral and physiological impairments. This study suggests Juniperus phoenicea possesses therapeutic potential as a natural agent against pesticide toxicity. It emerges as a promising phytotherapy candidate for enhancing neurological functions and mitigating oxidative stress.