The inhibitory influence of carvacrol on behavioral modifications, brain oxidation, and general inflammation triggered by paraquat exposure through inhalation

The current study investigated how carvacrol (C) can prevent behavioral and brain oxidative changes, along with systemic inflammation caused by inhaled paraquat (PQ). Control rats exposed to saline solution, whereas six rat groups were subjected to PQ aerosols at a concentration of 54 mg/m³ in 16 days. The PQ-exposed groups received saline (PQ group), C at dosages of 20 (C-L) and 80 mg/kg/day (C-H), dexamethasone at a dosage of 0.03 mg/kg/day, pioglitazone at dose of 5 and 10 mg/kg/day (Pio-L and Pio-H), and a combination of C-L + Pio-L. Various parameters were assessed following the end of the treatment duration. There were marked elevation in total and differential white blood cell counts (WBCs), and malondialdehyde levels in the blood, hippocampus, and cerebral tissue but, thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) exhibited a notable decrease (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The escape delay and traveled distance exhibited enhancement, however, on the probe day, the duration spent in the target quadrant and the time taken to enter the dark room at 3, 24, 48, and 72 hours post an electrical shock, showed a reduction in the PQ group (P<0.05 to P<0.001). Inhaled PQ-induced changes were significantly improved in C, Pio, Dexa, and C-L + Pio-L treated groups (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The effects of C-L + Pio-L on most measured variables were higher than C-L and Pio-L (P<0.05 to P<0.001). C improved PQ-induced changes similar to dexamethasone and C-L showed additive effects when administered in combination with Pio.