Evaluation of anti-oxidative effects of Mentha spicata essential oils in rats at the period of gestation and lactation co-exposed to lead and manganese

Abstract

The mechanisms in the origin of lead and manganese poisoning (Pb-Mn) are multiple, and potentially touch all the body cells. For this purpose, we are interested in oxidative stress induced by Pb-Mn at the erythrocytic level at a dose of 0.2% (Pb) and 4.79 mg/ml (Mn) during the period of gestation and lactation in wistars rats and the ability of mint essential oil, Mentha spicata (MEO) to restore or not this state of stress. The extraction of MEO “HEM” via steam distillation allows us to obtain MEO with an output of 0.49%. Moreo-ver, the analysis of the anti-oxidativeerythrocytic status showed that the co-exposure to Pb-Mn significantly increases enzymes activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and significantly reduces the enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), by causing a dysfunction in the anti-oxidative defense system. In contrast, the administration of MEO via intra-peritoneal (IP) during a period of 21 days in the previously Pb-Mn intoxicated rats, that MEO contributes significantly in the improvement of the defenses against radical aggression, through a recovery at the level of anti-oxidative enzymes activities by increasing their ability to eliminate radical compounds.