Dimethoate is an organophosphate insecticide which is used globally in a wide scale in agriculture. It was associated with numerous negative health effects in many studies. Brain is one of the target organs for dimethoate exposure. The aim of present study was to evaluate sub-chronic (60 days) toxicity of dimethoate (7 mg/kg b.w.), investigating its oxidative stress, DNA damage, as well as apoptosis inducing effects, and histopathological changes in brain tissue of rats. We also aimed to analyze protective effects of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (cherry laurel) fruit extract. To evaluate oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes activities were calculated. Experimental results demonstrated that dimethoate treatment increased MDA and depleted Cu-Zn SOD, GPx and CAT enzyme activities, suggesting its potency as an oxidative stress inducer in rat brain tissues. Furthermore, comet and TUNEL assay results showed that dimethoate stimulated DNA damage and apoptosis. Administration of cherry laurel extract protected against dimethoate-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. Findings of currents study are important in terms of demonstrating the beneficial effects of L. officinalis extract against dimethoate toxicity in brain, considering the sensitivity of this organ to oxidative stress and extensive usage of dimethoate.