Herbal Tea-Induced Modulation of Brain Oxidative Stress in Rats Exposed to High and Low Dose of Cadmium

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal occurring in profusion in contaminated food, water, and air and is one of the major environmental pollutants linked to extremely toxic neurotoxic agencies. Individually, cadmium harms by inducing oxidative stress, disrupting balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, and ultimately damaging cellular constituents in the brain. This study investigates the neuroprotective potentials of herbal teas in ameliorating cadmium-induced oxidative stress by carrying out experiments in rats that have been given high and low doses of this metal. Green tea, ginger tea, Chamomile tea, turmeric tea, hibiscus tea, and Ginkgo biloba tea were chosen due to their rich profiles of bioactive compounds such as catechins, flavonoids, curcumin, anthocyanins, and terpenoids, all known for their incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Biochemical assays for the assessment of some important biomarkers of oxidative stress including reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and levels of lipid peroxidation were performed according to the established methods. The structural changes in the brain tissues due to cadmium and neuroprotective effects due to herbal tea treatment will be examined using histopathological studies. It will also investigate the mechanistic pathways through which these teas exert their effects and caused the amelioration of oxidative damage, focusing on their ability to scavenge free radicals, enhance antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulate inflammation.  The results are expected to provide information on the antioxidant effectiveness of these teas in comparison with each other regarding their preventive effect on cadmium-induced neurotoxicities. The present research hopes to fill the existing gaps in the understanding of dietary interventions as one of the therapeutic strategies used to remedy heavy metal toxicity by presenting solid evidence supporting herbal teas' possible application in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases due to oxidative stress.