Hepatorotective effect of garlic [Allium sativum] and vitamin E on experimental liver injuries induced by ultraviolet radiation

ABSTRACT

Previous researches have demonstrated that the garlic and vitamin E were able to exert preventive properties against sunburn, delay the onset of skin tumors and reduce radiation induced tissue damage. These compounds may act as antioxidants able to scavenge free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible protective effect of garlic and vitamin E against ultraviolet radiation induced liver damage. A total of 60 male albino rats weighing 180-200 g were used in this study. The rats were divided into six groups. Each group contained 10 rats. Group [1] Animals were kept as control. Group [2] Animals were exposed to ultraviolet C-rays 180-280 nm for 30 successive days. Group [3] was given ethanolic extract of garlic at dose level of 0.18 ml/100 g.15 min before exposure to ultraviolet C-rays 180-280 nm for 30 successive days. Group [4] was given vitamin E at dose level of 100 mg/kg b. w 15 min before exposure to ultraviolet C-rays 180-280 nm. The fifth and sixth groups were given garlic and vitamin E respectively for 30 successive days. Histopathological effects in liver were demonstrated as necrosis, fibrosis, fatty changes, inflammatory cellular infiltration and vacuolar degeneration. Deep nuclear basophilia and karyolysis were also seen in some hepatocytes. No pathological, histochemical and ultrastructural changes could be observed in rats treated with garlic or vitamin E. Histochemical results showed marked diminution of glycogen content, DNA, protein content and increase in collagen deposition. Ultrastructural changes were observed in irradiated rats in the form of areas of cytoplasmic dissolution, partial clumping of nuclear chromatin and partial disappearance of nuclear membrane. Mitochondria had dense matrix with proliferation and vesiculation of endoplasmic reticulum. The treatment of rats with ethanolic extract of garlic or vitamin E before exposure to ultraviolet C-rays alleviated the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation