Pistacia lentiscus
fatty oil (PLFO) is a well known natural remedy in eastern Algeria folk medicine. It is widely
used in the treatment of respiratory disorders and dermal burns. The present study has been carried out to investigate effects
of this oil on fasting glucose and some functional parameters of the liver and kidney in white male New Zealand rabbits
(Initial mean weight 1.95 Kg). PLFO was applied to tested rabbits (PLFO group) via rectal route, once daily 5-day per week,
for six consecutive weeks at the dose of 1ml/Kg body weight. The same number of animals (n=6) was not treated and served
as control (CRL group). The results showed that PLFO was tolerated by rectal route. No significant differences were
observed in body weights of the two groups. Biochemical analysis showed that aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine
transaminase (ALT) were significantly decreased in blood plasma at (P< 0.05) and (P< 0.01) respectively in PLFO group
(Mann-Whitney test). On the other hand, the fasting glucose level (GLU) was significantly increased (Mann-Whitney test,
P< 0.05), while the rest of the tested parameters (Albumin, total proteins, creatinine, urea) was not significantly affected.
However, these variations have not biologic signification toxicity. The study concludes that PLFO is tolerable via rectal
route; it is safe with no adverse effect on liver functions and renal functions with possible anti-glycogenesis activity.
