The effects of crocin nanoparticle on trace elements levels in paraquat-induced oxidative stress in rat

Paraquat, a non-spesific herbicide, induces toxicity primarily through oxidative stress, with no specific antidote available. Evidence suggests paraquat disrupts ion homeostasis, affecting essential trace elements involved in antioxidant defense. Crocin, a saffron-derived antioxidant, may counteract these effects, though its instability limits therapeutic use. Niosomes, as nanocarriers, enhance crocin delivery and efficacy. This study investigated the effects of crocin and crocin-loaded niosomes on serum levels of calcium, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (TTG) and Lipid peroxidation (LPO) in paraquat-induction oxidative stress in male rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated to six groups ( n = 5): normal saline, paraquat (5 mg/kg orally), crocin (200 mg/kg IP), crocin-niosomes (200 mg/kg IP), paraquat + crocin, or paraquat + crocin-niosomes for one week. Serum levels of calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium were measured via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) ICP-OES( after acid digestion. also, we evaluated serum TAC, TTG and LPO levels. Paraquat increased serum LPO, TAC, and TTG levels. Both crocin and niosomal crocin reduced LPO elevation, with niosomes showing superior efficacy in normalizing TAC and TTG. Notably, crocin alone occasionally increased oxidative parameters. Paraquat increased serum iron and calcium while decreasing copper and zinc ( p < 0.05). Crocin treatment attenuated the paraquat-induced rise in calcium, whereas crocin-niosomes counteracted the paraquat-induced alterations in calcium, iron, copper, and zinc, bringing their serum levels closer to those of the control group. Neither paraquat nor niosomes altered magnesium levels. Niosomal delivery enhances crocin’s efficacy in mitigating paraquat-induced oxidative stress and trace element dysregulation in serum. These results underscore niosomal crocin’s as a promising nano-antioxidant therapy, warranting further investigation into its organ-protective effects and mechanistic pathways.