ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL–INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF POLYHERBAL FORMULATIONS IN WISTAR RATS
Rukhsana Siddiqui1, Vinod Kumar2*, Manish Yadav2
1Research Scholar, 2Associate Professor
Department of Pharmacy, SOMAS, G D Goenka University, Gurugram, India
Abstract: Heavy metal toxicity is a major health problem in the world since it has caused extensive pollution in the environment and prolonged human exposure. Due to prolonged human exposure and widespread environmental pollution, heavy metal poisoning is a serious global health concern. Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic are metals that build up in the body and are hazardous primarily through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Damage to endogenous antioxidant systems and excessive generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species lead to lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA damage, and progressive organ failure. Although chelation therapy is commonly used to reduce metal burden, its long-term usage is limited by low specificity, security concerns, and inability to prevent oxidative tissue damage. Due to their multi-targeted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties, polyherbal formulations are now regarded as potentially useful treatment methods. Additionally, polyherbal combinations have been shown in Wistar rat models to rescue antioxidant enzyme activities, restore low glutathione levels, control essential molecular pathways in adulthood, such as Nrf2, NF-KB, and MAPK, and protect important organs including the brain, liver, and kidney. This paper summarizes the cytotoxic effects of heavy metals in relation to oxidative stress and discusses the benefits, drawbacks, and potential of polyherbal formulations as a preventative measure. The findings suggest that polyherbal techniques may be utilized in the future as an alternative or supplement to lessen toxicity caused by heavy metals.
Keywords: Oxidative Stress; Chelation Therapy; Organ Toxicity; Heavy Metals; Mu ate in Antioxidants: Wistar Rats; Polyherbal Preparation.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 07 2026: 214 – 241