Protective role of puerarin on lead-induced alterations of the hepatic glutathione antioxidant system and hyperlipidemia in rats

► Puerarin prevented lead-induced hepatotoxicity. ► Puerarin reduced lead-induced increase in ROS and TBARS production in liver of rats. ► Puerarin enhanced the hepatic glutathione antioxidant system in lead treated rats. ► Puerarin regulated the expression of hepatic biosynthesis and lipid metabolism genes. ► Puerarin significantly inhibited the lead-induced hyperlipidemia.