Pregnant rats received 0, 2% of lead acetate (Pb) in drinking water. The treatment with the aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum L (P.A.E.) started after weaning with dose of 750 mg/kg and for 15 successive days. The effect of the extract was evaluated through behavioral tests : open filed (OF) , Forced swimming test (FST) and dark /light test. Beside; Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total plasmatic proteins, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and Catalase (CAT) were analyzed. Lead induced a hyperactivity in the open field which was reduced after administration of P.A.E. In the FST, the treatment with plant extract enhanced significantly the mobility time compared with intoxicated group. We had observed that time spent in the dark compartments in dark and light test was reduced after oral administration of P.A.E. Lead caused significant increase in LDH , TBARS and ALP , in contrary this toxic agent decrease the levels of plasmatic proteins and catalase activity in cerebellum and cerebrum. We can conclude that oral treatment with aniseed aqueous extract was effective in reducing the level of some of biochemical parameters and ameliorate behavior of intoxicated rats by lead.

The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of Verbena (V.) officinalis L. aqueous extract in adult female rats. Methods: The present study evaluated the antidepressant effect of V. officinalis L. aqueous (V AE) extract in female rats using the Forced-Swimming Test (FST), Light-Dark Box (LDB) test, and Open Field Test (OFT). The level of glycemia and histological analysis were also studied. The VAE [200 mg/kg Parenterally (PO)] was administered orally for 7 successive days in the separate groups of rats. Results: The oral administration of V. officinalis L. aqueous extract significantly decreased (P< 0.01) the immobility time in the FST, increased the time spent in the light area (LDB), and the number of entry into the central squares (OFT). Thus, the extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the glycemia level (P<0.05) and suggested no harmful effect on brain histology. Conclusion: Verbena officinalis L. aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg could have an antidepressant effect in adult rats.

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This study is conducted to examine the effect of the oral administration of pectin of dates on perturbation of the biochemical parameters induced by lead. Male rats were exposed to lead acetate at 350mg/Kg for one month, after this period, rats treated during one month with the pectin of date at 3%. Rats were sacrificed, the blood and urine are collected for the biochemical assays: glucose, total protein, phosphatase acide (PAC), alkaline phosphatase (PAL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, urea and uric acid. The results showed that the exposure to lead has induced a disturbance in the biochemical parameters. Thus, the treatment by the pectin of dates reduced the high concentration of these parameters. Our results show that the pectins of dates may have a corrective effect on the biochemical disturbances induced by the lead.