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&rsquo;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.

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