ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effects of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) in ameliorating the toxic effects oflead acetate in male Wistar albino rats. The animals were selected into five groups (n=5 rats) of weights ranging from 150- 200 mg/kg. They had free access to rat feed and water. Group 1 served as the control, they received only feed and water. Group 2 received 400 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate. Group 3 received 800 mg/kg bodv weight ofthe extract, Group 4 received 400 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate and 400 mg kg body weight of the extract while Group 5 received 400 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract per day for 28 days. Values of AST was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group 2, (76.6 ±1.08 U/L) and group 5 (42.6 ±0.75 U/L) when compared with the control group (24.60 ±0.40 U/L), this shows that the toxicant induced tissue damages to hepatocytes. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum ALT was observed in group 2 (68.80 ±2.89U/L) when compared with the normal control group (19.60 ±0.75 U/L). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum ALP value was obtained in group 2 (71.25 ±3.30U/L) when compared with the normal control group (50.71 ±1.45 ILL) and group 5 (54.25 ±1.52 U/L). Significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum bilirubin was recorded in group 2 (2.1 ±0.14 mg/dl) when compared with control group (0.81 ±0.02 mg/dl) and control forextract (1.01 ±0.81 mg/dl). Slightly significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum total protein was recorded in group 2 (5.85 ±0.23 g/dl) and control group (7.82 ±0.15g/dl). No significant (p < 0.05) difference was recorded in total serum albumin between test groups and control groups. Slightly significant (p < 0.05) decrease was recorded in group 2 (2.72 ±0.27 g/dl) when compared with normal control group (3.67 ±0.33 gdll.The histological results show that oral administration of aqueous lead acetate induced pronounced inflammation ofthe hepatic and renal tissues in group 2 when compared with the normal control group and group 5 which had well preserved tissue architecture with no inflammation. This implies that the extract showed significant ameliorative activity against lead intoxication. In conclusion, the study showed that oral administration ofaqueous extract ofAllium sativium had significant ameliorative activity against lead intoxication by acting as a chelating agent and mopping up reactive oxygen species generated by the toxicant.