BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Antioxidants can reduce the occurrence of long-term damages, caused by free radicals. Considering the importance of enhanced oxidative stress in the occurrence of nanoparticle-induced damages and effects of plant extracts on reducing oxidative stress, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles and hydroalcoholic extracts of Berberis vulgaris, Descurainia sophia, and silymarin on catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde concentrations in male diabetic rats.

METHODS: In this experimental study, 50 Wistar rats (250-350 g) were divided in ten groups (five rats per group): healthy controls, healthy rats receiving nanoparticles, healthy rats receiving Berberis vulgaris, Descurainia sophia, and silymarin extracts (independently), diabetic controls, diabetic rats receiving copper nanoparticles, and diabetic rats receiving the extracts independently. In diabetic groups, diabetes was induced in half of the rats, using alloxan at a dose of 120 mg/kg. In addition to copper oxide nanoparticles, the control and diabetic groups independently received 0.5 cc of Berberis vulgaris, Descurainia sophia, and Silybum marianum extracts via intraperitoneal injection for 30 days. Then, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine and the liver tissues were removed. The concentrations of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde were measured and compared.

FINDINGS: In diabetic groups treated with copper nanoparticles, a significant increase was reported in the concentration of malondialdehyde (from 4.7±0.447 to 5.05±0.405). Moreover, a significant decline was observed in the activity of catalase enzymes (from 36.8±1.48 to 36.2±1.4832) and glutathione peroxidase (from 75.4±3.9115 to 72.4±4.3362). Based on the findings, Silybum marianum was more effective than Berberis vulgaris and Descurainia sophia in diminishing the effects of cooper nanoparticles.

CONCLUSION: The present results showed that the studied herbal extracts could be used for moderating the effects of oxidative stress, induced by copper oxide nanoparticles