ABSTRACT
Aims: The objective of the present study is to estimate the effect of the methanol extract of Pistacia lentiscus (PL) on plasma antioxidant capacity and biomarkers of oxidative stress in liver tissue of healthy female rats. Methodology: The present work assessments oral administration of methanol extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg during 14 days on plasma antioxidant activities using DPPH and reducing power tests. Levels MDA, GSH and catalase activity in liver tissue of healthy female rats were estimated. Results: The doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg during 14 days caused significant elevation of plasma antioxidant capacity using DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay compared to the control. Also, evaluation of MDA levels revealed that the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg reduced significantly the lipid peroxidation in liver tissues. Treatment with methanol extract at doses of 100, 200 showed no significant difference in GSH level in the liver when compared with control group. Moreover, the activity of catalase enzyme caused non significantly decreased in 100 and 200 mg/kg treated groups. Highest depletion of the antioxidant activity was reported in post administration of 400 mg/kg. Finally, the dose of 400 mg/kg of the methanol extract for 14 days leads to a decrease of GSH levels and catalase activity. For this reason, medicinal plants need a critical evaluation of dose administration to avoid its side effects.