RESUMO
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Atriplex halimus aqueous leaves extract (AHAE) against acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: group (C) served as a control treated with 1 ml/(kg bw) of olive oil, and group (CCl4) was treated with 1 ml CCl4/(kg bw) dissolved in olive oil administered by intraperitoneal way. Rats of group (CCl4+AHAE) have received CCl4 and treated with 200 mg AHAE/(kg bw). Animals of group (AHAE) were treated with 200 mg/(kg bw) of AHAE. A significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in liver associated with a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione content was observed in CCl4 group compared to controls. The administration of AHAE to CCl4+AHAE group improved all parameters studied. We conclude that CCl4 induces oxidative stress and modifies biochemical parameters and histological aspects of liver. Administration of AHAE alleviates the toxicity induced by this organic compound.