Resveratrol ameliorates the physiological, biochemical, cytogenetic, and anatomical toxicities induced by copper(II) chloride exposure in Allium cepa L.

Excessive copper (Cu) exposure ultimately results in toxicosis in all organisms. The protective potential of resveratrol compound against the CuCl2 toxicity was evaluated in Allium cepa L. root tip cells. For this aim, A. cepa bulbs were divided into six groups and the groups were treated with tap water, 400 mg/L resveratrol, 800 mg/L resveratrol, 20 μM CuCl2, 400 mg/L resveratrol + 20 μM CuCl2, and 800 mg/L resveratrol + 20 μM CuCl2 solutions, respectively for 72 h. The first group irrigated with tap water was accepted as control. All groups were screened for the germination percentage, root elongation, total bulb weight gain, micronucleus (MN) frequency, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations, and anatomical changes. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) level as an indicator of lipid peroxidation were investigated. It was found that CuCl2 exposure alone triggered a definite negative effects on all parameters examined. On the other hand, the groups treated with resveratrol did not have statistically different values compared to the control group. Resveratrol doses induced a remarkable recovery in growth parameters including germination percentage, root elongation, and total bulb weight gain when applied with CuCl2. In these groups, MN frequency, chromosomal aberrations, and anatomical abnormalities were alleviated, whereas the MI levels increased significantly. Moreover, lipid peroxidation level and antioxidant enzyme activities showed a marked amelioration when resveratrol and CuCl2 were applied together. Copper compounds have become common pollutants due to their direct uses as pesticides in agricultural areas as well as their spreading to natural areas from industrial fields. The study clearly demonstrated the therapeutic potential of resveratrol against the harmful effects of CuCl2 exposure in Allium roots. So, resveratrol could be considered as a plant-derived restorative agent for the reduction of the risks from the other copper compounds.