Attenuation of streptozotocin-induced alterations in acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant system by S-allylcysteine in rats

• S-allylcysteine is a sulfur containing amino acid derived from garlic.
• It may constitute an alternative to insulin in diabetic model.
• This compound may be used as an alternative against synthetic compound.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the administration of S-allylcysteine (SAC) (150 mg/kg body weight for 45 days) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and antioxidant levels in the brain tissues of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The levels of glucose, TBARS, hydroperoxide and acetylcholinesterase were increased significantly whereas the levels of plasma insulin, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase were decreased in experimental diabetic rats. Administration of SAC to diabetic rats reverted all these parameters. The effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide, a well-known antioxidant and antihyperglycemic drug. In conclusion, the present findings showed that treatment with SAC prevents the increase in AChE activity, lipid peroxidation, and consequently improves the antioxidant system in diabetic rats, indicating that this compound can be considered as possible therapeutics to be investigated in brain disorders associated with the diabetes.