Oximes are a class of compounds normally used to reverse the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition caused by organophosphates (OPs). Conversely, researches focusing on the possible antioxidant properties of these compounds are lacking in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antioxidant and toxic properties of 3-(phenylhydrazono) butan-2-one oxime in mice. In vitro, hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation was decreased by low concentrations of the oxime (0.1-1.0 microM); (P < 0.05). Similarly, lipoperoxidation induced by malonate and iron (Fe2+) was significantly decreased by the oxime (0.4-1.0 microM) (P < 0.05). Oxime pre-treatment did not modify the basal peroxidation level nor prevented the induced lipid peroxidation determined ex-vivo. The present results suggest that 3-(phenylhydrazono) butan-2-one oxime could be a good antioxidant compound. The absence of toxicity signs after in vivo administration of 3-(phenylhydrazono) butan-2-one oxime to mice may indicate that it could be a safe drug for further studies.