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The effect of allicin on blood and tissue lead content in mice

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Abstract

Previous experimental results have revealed that garlic (Alium sativum) can reduce lead toxicity and tissue lead content in lead-exposed rodents. In the present study, the effects of different doses of allicin, the main active constituent of garlic, in reducing of organ and blood lead levels were evaluated in mice exposed to 1,000 ppm of lead acetate in drinking water. Three groups of mice received allicin at doses of 12, 24, and 48 µg/kg orally (twice daily) during ongoing 14-day lead exposure. Mice were killed on experimental day 15. Allicin treatment reduced lead retention in blood and tissues. Reduction of lead concentration in blood and tissues was dose dependent. With the highest dose of allicin, the greatest rate of reduction of lead concentrations were observed in liver (73.7%), kidney (45%), brain (45%), and bone (44.4%), respectively. Liver zinc concentration was significantly reduced in all treated groups. It was concluded that allicin administered during lead exposure in mice can reduce tissue lead retention and, therefore, might have some therapeutic effect on lead poisoning.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their appreciation to the research council of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for financial support. We also wish to thank Mr. Mohsen Namei Ghasemi, Medical Toxicology Research Center Laboratory, for his assistance in toxicological analysis of the samples.

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  1. Department of Clinical Sciences and Center of Excellence Research in Ruminant Abortion and Neonatal Mortality, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran

    Mohammad Reza Aslani, V. Najarnezhad, M. Mohri & M. Azad

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  1. Mohammad Reza Aslani
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Correspondence to Mohammad Reza Aslani.

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Aslani, M.R., Najarnezhad, V., Mohri, M. et al. The effect of allicin on blood and tissue lead content in mice. Comp Clin Pathol 20, 121–125 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-010-0964-y

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