Comparative study on the efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) in reducing some heavy metal accumulation in liver of wistar rats

ScopeHeavy metals are known to cause damage through indirect oxidative effects. This study was undertaken to compare the therapeutic efficacy and protective ability of garlic extracts on reducing toxicity induced by mercury, lead and cadmium in the liver.Methods and resultsRats were fed with rat chow mixed with raw garlic (7% w/w) while mercury (10 ppm), cadmium (200 ppm) and lead (100 ppm) were given in drinking water. Garlic was administered either at the same time with the metals (group 2), a week after exposure to heavy metals (group 3) or a week before heavy metal exposure (group 4) for 6 weeks. The heavy metal accumulations in the liver were determined using AAS. The percentage protection showed a time-dependent effect and was significantly (P < 0.01) higher for cadmium compared to mercury and lead-treated groups. Analysis between the groups showed that garlic treatment after exposure had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentage protection when compared with other modes.ConclusionThese results suggest that garlic offered more hepatoprotective effect to cadmium followed by mercury and least protection to lead at the selected dose of each metal in this study through the processes of uptake, assimilation and elimination of these metals.

► Allium sativum (garlic) reduces tissue heavy metal burden/toxicity in the liver. ► Post-treatment offered more hepatoprotective effect. ► Hepatoprotective effect was more to cadmium followed by mercury and least to lead accumulation. ► Nutrient affected the processes of uptake, assimilation and elimination of these metals in a time dependant manner.