Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Onion and garlic extracts lessen cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

  • Published:
BioMetals Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known nephrotoxicant inducing kidney damage via oxidative stress. Since kidney is the critical target organ of Cd toxicity, this study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.) aqueous extracts on Cd-induced renal oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. The control group received double distilled water alone and Cd group was challenged with 3CdSO4 · 8H2O (as Cd) (1.5 mg/100 g bw/day per oral) alone. Extract-treated groups were pre-treated with varied doses (0.5 ml and 1.0 ml/100 g bw/day per oral) of onion and/or garlic extract for 1 week after which they were co-treated with Cd (1.5 mg/100 g bw/day per oral) for 3 weeks. The results showed that the levels of renal lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione-S transferase (GST) were significantly (P < 0.001) increased in rats that received Cd alone relative to the control group. More so, the levels of renal glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and Na+/K+-ATPase were significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in rats that received Cd alone. Treatment of Cd-intoxicated rats with varied doses of onion and/or garlic extract significantly (P < 0.05) restored the alterations in these parameters relative to the group that received Cd alone. While treatment with high dose of onion extract exerted a significant dose-dependent restoration of these parameters, treatment with high dose of garlic elicited a pro-oxidant effect, relative to their respective low dose. Our study suggests that onion and garlic extracts may exert their protective effects via reduction in LPO and enhanced antioxidant defense. These extracts may, therefore, be useful nutritional option in alleviating Cd-induced renal damage.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adam-Vizi V, Seregi A (1982) Receptor independent stimulatory effect of noradrenalin on Na+/K+-ATPase in rat brain homogenate, role of lipid peroxidation. Biochem Pharmacol 31:2231–2236. doi:10.1016/0006-2952(82)90106-X

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Akesson A, Lundh T, Vahter M, Bjellerup P, Lidfeldt J, Nerbrand C et al (2005) Tubular and glomerular kidney effects in Swedish women with low environmental cadmium exposure. Environ Health Perspect 113:1627–1631

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Alfven T, Elinder CG, Carlsson MD, Grubb A, Hellstrom L, Person B et al (2000) Low level cadmium exposure and osteoporosis. J Bone Miner Res 15:1579–1586. doi:10.1359/jbmr.2000.15.8.1579

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asagba SO, Adaikpoh MA, Kadiri H, Obi FO (2007) Influence of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. petal on cadmium toxicity in rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 115:45–57. doi:10.1385/BTER:115:1:47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asagba SO, Eriyamremu GE, Adaikpoh MA, Ezeoma A (2004) Levels of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and Na+/K+ ATPase in some tissues of rats exposed to a Nigerian-like diet and cadmium. Biol Trace Elem Res 100:75–86. doi:10.1385/BTER:100:1:075

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Augusti KT, Sheela CG (1996) Antiperoxide effect of S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide, insulin-secretagogue, in diabetic rats. Experentia 52:115–120. doi:10.1007/BF01923354

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Augusti KT (1996) Therapeutic values of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.). Indian J Exp Biol 34:634–640

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Banerjeea SK, Maulika M, Manchandab SC, Dindac AK, Dasd TK, Maulika SK (2001) Garlic-induced alteration in rat liver and kidney morphology and associated changes in endogenous antioxidant status. Food Chem Toxicol 39:793–797. doi:10.1016/S0278-6915(01)00018-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beltowski J, Jamroz-Wisniewsska A, Borkowska E, Nazar J, Marciniak A (2005) Antioxidant treatment normalizes renal Na+/K+-ATPase activity in leptin-treated rats. Pharmacol Rep 57:219–228

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beuge JA, Aust SD (1978) Microsomal lipid peroxidation. Methods Enzymol 52:302–310. doi:10.1016/S0076-6879(78)52032-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boyle SP, Dobson VL, Duthie SJ, Kyle JAM, Collins AR (2000) Absorption and DNA protective effects of flavonoid glycosides from an onion meal. Eur J Nutr 39:213–223. doi:10.1007/s003940070014

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Casalino E, Calzaretti G, Sblano C, Landriscina C (2002) Molecular inhibitory mechanisms of antioxidant enzymes in rat liver and kidney by cadmium. Toxicology 179:37–50. doi:10.1016/S0300-483X(02)00245-7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Denton L, Ojeifo IM (1990) Onion production practices and their improvement in Nigeria. Onion Newsl Tropics 2:10–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Durak I, Aytac B, Atmaca Y, Devrim E, Avei A, Erol C et al (2004) Effect of garlic extract consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameter in atherosclerotic patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 74:199–203. doi:10.1024/0300-9831.74.3.199

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Demerdash FM, Yousef MI, Abou EI-Naga NI (2005) Biochemical study on the hypoglycemic effects of onion and garlic in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Food Chem Toxicol 43:57–63. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2004.08.012

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Demerdash FM, Yousef MI, Kedwany FS, Bahadadi HH (2004) Cadmium-induced changes in lipid peroxidation, blood hematology, biochemical parameters and semen quality of male rats, protective role of vitamin E and beta-carotene. Food Chem Toxicol 42:1563–1571. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2004.05.001

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Manakhly EM, Youssef SA, Hassieb MM (1998) The protective effect of garlic against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicosis in male rats. Some histopathologic and histochemical studies. Egypt J Comp Pathol Clin Pathol 11:35–45

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Wafa SA, Sedki AA, Ismail AM (2002) Response of growing rabbits to diet containing black seed, garlic or onion as natural feed additives. Egypt J Rabbit Sci 12:69–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Fenwick RG, Hanley AB (1990) Chemical composition. In: Brewster JL, Rabinowitch HD (eds) Onions, allied crops volume III, biochemistry, food science, minor crops. CRC Press Inc, Boca Raton, FL

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferraille E, Doucet A (2001) Sodium potassium-adenosine triphosphatase-dependent sodium transport in the kidney. Hormonal control. Physiol Rev 81:346–395

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferrali M, Signorini C, Caciotti B et al (1997) Protection against oxidative damage of erythrocyte membrane by the flavonoid quercetin and its relation to iron chelating activity. FEBS Lett 416:123–129. doi:10.1016/S0014-5793(97)01182-4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gill KD, Sandhir R, Sharm G, Pal R, Nath R (1990) Perturbations in lipid peroxidation and antioxidation enzymes on cadmium exposure to growing rats. J Trace Elem Exp Med 3:79–89

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths G, Trueman L, Crowther T, Thomas B, Smith B (2002) Onions–a global benefit to health. Phytother Res 16:603–615. doi:10.1002/ptr.1222

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grose EC, Richards JH, Jaskot RH, Menache MG, Graham JA, Dauterman WC (1987) Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase activities in rat lung and liver following cadmium. Toxicology 44:171–179. doi:10.1016/0300-483X(87)90147-8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guyonnet D, Siess MH, Le Bon AM, Suschetet M (1999) Modulation of phase II enzymes by organosulfur compounds from Allium vegetables in rat tissues. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 154:50–58. doi:10.1006/taap.1998.8574

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Habig WH, Pabst MJ, Jakoby WB (1974) The first enzymatic step in mercapturic acid formation. J Biol Chem 249:7130–7139

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Horiguchi H, Sato M, Konno N, Fukushima M (1996) Long-term cadmium exposure induce anaemia through hypoinduction of erythropoietin in the kidneys. Arch Toxicol 71:11–19. doi:10.1007/s002040050352

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jarup L, Berglund M, Elinder C, Nordberg G, Vahter M (1998) Health effects of cadmium exposure – a review of literature and a risk estimate. Scand J Work Environ Health 24(Suppl. l):1–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Jinna RR, Ahanandsalim KJ, Desiough D (1989) Protection against cadmium toxicity and enzyme inhibition by dithiothreitol. Cell Biochem Funct 7:110–112

    Google Scholar 

  • Jollow DJ, Michell JR, Zampaglione N, Gillete J (1974) Bromobenzene-induced liver necrosis, protective role of glutathione and evidence for 3, 4-bromobenzene oxide as the hepatotoxic metabolite. Pharmacology 11:151–169

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kamal AM, Daoud JR (2003) Effect of onion and/or garlic as feed additives on blood, tissue constituents and growth performance in Muscovy ducks. Vet Med J Giza 51:161–175

    Google Scholar 

  • Kowalczyk E, Kopff A, Pijalkowski P et al (2003) Effect of anthocyanins on selected biochemical parameters in rats exposed to cadmium. Acta Biochem Polon 50:543–548

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumari K, Augusti KT (2002) Anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects of S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide isolated from onions (Allium cepa Linn) as compared to standard drugs in alloxan diabetic rats. Indian J Exp Biol 40:1005–1009

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leffler P, Jin TY, Nordberg GF (1990) Cadmium-metallothionein-induced kidney dysfunction increases magnesium excretion in the rat. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 103:180–184. doi:10.1016/0041-008X(90)90274-X

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lowry OH, Rosebrough NJ, Farr AL, Randall RJ (1951) Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem 193:265–275

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manca D, Richard A, Trottier B, Chevallier G (1991) Studies on lipid peroxidation in rat tissues following administration of cadmium chloride. Toxicology 67:303–323. doi:10.1016/0300-483X(91)90030-5

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Massadeh AM, Al-Safi SA, Momani IF, Alomary AA, Jaradat QM, Alkofahi AS (2007) Garlic (Allium sativum L.) as a potential antidote for cadmium and lead intoxication: cadmium and lead distribution and analysis in different mice organs. Biol Trace Elem Res 120:227–234. doi:10.1007/s12011-007-8017-3

  • Misra HP, Fridovich I (1972) The role of superoxide anion in the autooxidation of epinephrine and a simple assay for superoxide dismutase. J Biol Chem 247:3170–3175

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morales AI, Vicente-Sanchez C, Jerkic M, Santiago JM, Sanchez-Gonzalez PD, Perez-Barriocanal F et al (2006) Effect of quercetin on metallothionein, nitric oxide synthases and cyclooxygenase-2 expression on experimental chronic cadmium nephrotoxicity in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 210:128–135. doi:10.1016/j.taap. 2005.09.006

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moskaug JO, Carlsen H, Myhrstad MCW, Blomhoff R (2005) Polyphenols and glutathione synthesis regulation. Am J Clin Nutr 81:277S–283S

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murugavel P, Pari L (2007) Diallyl tetrasulfide modulates the cadmium-induced impairments of membrane-bound enzymes in rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 18:37–48

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nordberg GF (1984) Chelating agents and cadmium toxicity: problems and prospects. Environ Health Perspect 54:213–218. doi:10.2307/3429809

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nordberg GF, Nogawa K, Nordberg M, Friberg L (2007) Cadmium. In: Nordberg GF, Fowler BF, Nordberg M, Friberg L (eds) Handbook on the toxicology of metals. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 445–486

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Nuutila AM, Puuponen-Pimia R, Aarni M, Oksman-Caldentey K (2003) Comparison of antioxidant activities of onion and garlic and extracts by inhibition of lipid peroxidation and radical scavenging activity. Food Chem 81:485–493. doi:10.1016/S0308-8146(02)00476-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ognjanovic B, Zikic RV, Stajn A, Saicic ZS, Kostic MM, Petrovic VM (1995) The effects of selenium on the antioxidant defense system in the liver of rats exposed to cadmium. Physiol Res 44:293–300

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • O’Reilly J, Mallet AI, McAnlis GT et al (2001) Consumption of flavonoids in onions and black tea: lack of effect on F2-isoprostanes and autoantibodies to oxidized LDL in healthy humans. Am J Clin Nutr 73:1040–1044

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pari I, Murugavel P, Sitasawad SL, Kumar KS (2007) Cytoprotective and antioxidant role of diallyl tetrasulfide on cadmium-induced renal injury, an in-vivo and in-vitro study. Life Sci 880:650–658. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2006.10.013

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigues AS, Fogliano V, Graziani G, Mendes S, Vale AP, Gonçalves C (2003) Nutritional value of onion regional varieties in Northwest Portugal. Electron J Environ Agric Food Chem 2:519–524

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarkar S, Yadav P, Bhatnagar D (1997) Cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant system in rats erythrocytes: the roles of antioxidant. J Trace Elem Med Biol 11:8–13

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Satarug S, Moore MR (2004) Adverse health effects of chronic exposure to low-level cadmium in foodstuffs and cigarette smoke. Environ Health Perspect 112:1099–1103

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sen CK (1997) Nutritional biochemistry of cellular glutathione. Nutr Biochem 8:660–676. doi:10.1016/S0955-2863(97)00113-7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shaikh ZA, Vu TT, Zaman K (1999) Oxidative stress as a mechanism of chronic cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity and protection by antioxidants. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 154:256–263. doi:10.1006/taap.1998.8586

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singhal RK, Anderson ME, Meister A (1987) Glutathione, a first line of defense against cadmium toxicity. FASEB J 1:220–223

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinha KA (1971) Colorimetric assay of catalase. Anal Biochem 47:389–394. doi:10.1016/0003-2697(72)90132-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart DJ (1974) Sensitive automated methods for phosphate and (Na+ plus K +)-ATPase. Anal Biochem 62:349–364. doi:10.1016/0003-2697(74)90167-5

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stohs SJ, Bagchi D (1995) Oxidative mechanisms in the toxicity of metal ions. Free Radic Biol Med 18:321–336. doi:10.1016/0891-5849(94)00159-H

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tewari PC, Jain VK, Ashquin M, Tandon SK (1986) Influence of protein deficiency on cadmium toxicity in rats. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 15:409–415. doi:10.1007/BF01066408

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Teyssier C, Amiot MJ, Mondy N, Auger J, Kahane R, Siess MH (2001) Effect of onion consumption by rats on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. Food Chem Toxicol 39:981–987. doi:10.1016/S0278-6915(01)00056-4

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thevenod F, Friedmann JM (1999) Cadmium-mediated oxidative stress in kidney proximal tubule cells induces degradation of Na+/K+-ATPase through proteasomal and endo-/lysosomal proteolytic pathways. FASEB J 13:1751–1761

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Timbrell JA (1991) Principle of biochemical toxicology. London, Taylor and Francis

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledged the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria for providing the basic facilities used in this study. The authors wish to express their thanks to Mrs Kate Nwokocha (Laboratory Technologist, Xenobiochemistry Unit) for her assistance in the operation of some equipment.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Stephen M. Suru

Authors
  1. Stephen M. Suru
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephen M. Suru.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Suru, S.M. Onion and garlic extracts lessen cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Biometals 21, 623–633 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10534-008-9148-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10534-008-9148-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation