Allium sativum [Garlic] and its significance for the protection against lead-induced toxicity in albino rats: a haematological study

ABSTRACT

A total of 140 albino rats were divided into 14 groups; 5 males and 5 females per each group The positive control group was given only 0.18 mg/kg garlic orally; six groups were given lead acetate ip another six groups were given lead acetate preceded by garlic; and a negative control gioup. 24 hours after the last treatment, blood was collected for subsequent determination of blood-lead as well as serum copper and zinc. At the same time, complete blood count together with blood films for subsequent differential leucocytic counts were also done. Blood-lead levels showed a significant increase -in a dose- dependent manner-in lead-treated rats. Similarly, there was a significant increase in the total WBCs, while the Hb%, RBCs as ivell as platelets were all sigtitficantly decteased among the lead-treated rats. Fut-thermore, there was also a significant increase in the mean percent of stab and segmented WBCs as well as eosinophils, while the lymphocytes were sigtuficantly decreased in the lead-treated rats. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the mean values of serum copper, while serum zinc was significantly decreased in lead-treated rats. On the other hand, gallic significantly reversed these results, but not to the initial mean values of the control groups. These results indicate that garlic contained chelating compounds which are capable of enhancing elinnnation of lead