Effect of garlic during and before administration of lead acetate on lead content of some tissues in mouse

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been found to possess heavy metal chelator activity.

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of garlic and garlic tablets on chronic administration of lead in mouse were investigated. Eighty mature mice (body weight of 35–40g) were divided into eight groups and each group was made up of ten mice. Group D as a negative control group received placebo garlic tablet. Groups A1, A2 and A3 respectively received 500,250 and 125mg/Kg/day garlic in first four weeks, and in second four weeks they received 5mg/kg/day lead acetate and 500,250 and 125mg/kg/day garlic respectively. Groups B1, B2 and B3 respectively received 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 garlic tablet/kg/day (equal to 500mg of fresh garlic) in first four weeks and in second four weeks received 5mg/kg/day lead acetate and also respectively 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 garlet tablet/kg/day (equal to 500mg of fresh garlic). Group C as a positive control group received a quarter of a placebo garlic tablet/kg/day in first four weeks and in second four weeks they received 5-mg/kg/day lead acetate and a quarter of a placebo garlic tablet/kg/day. Reduction in lead content of kidney, liver and bone as a result of administration of garlic or garlic tablet in studied groups was significant compared with group C (p<0.05) and reduction in lead content of blood in all groups was significant except group A3.

Results of comparison of lead content between different groups showed that fresh garlic and garlic tablet had the same effects on lead intoxication and lead deposition in tissues.