Pulicaria odora as a Natural Antioxidant Remedy for Metribuzin-induced Toxicity

Abstract

Background: Pesticides like metribuzin are environmental pollutants that induce toxicity and oxidative stress in organisms. Methods: This study evaluates the protective role of Pulicaria odora extract against metribuzin-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. The leaves of P. odora were extracted using methanol-water (70:30, v/v), yielding phenolic (2.77 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (0.77 mg QE/g) contents. Its antioxidant capacity, assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Result: Rats treated with metribuzin (13.2 mg/kg for 36 days) exhibited significant activity, including weight loss, altered hematological parameters and elevated hepatic (GPT, GOT) and renal (urea, creatinine) biomarkers. Co-administration of P. odora extract (34.2 mg/kg) significantly reversed these effects, restoring biomarkers and alleviating hepatic and renal toxicity by reducing transaminases, urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides. The extract’s antioxidant properties, attributed to its polyphenolic content, mitigated oxidative stress and stabilized cellular functions without adverse behavioral effects. This study highlights P. odora potential as a natural agent against herbicide-induced toxicity. Its bioactive compounds and mechanisms warrant further investigation, alongside exploring therapeutic applications in other Pulicaria species.