Effect of Garlic (Allium Sativum) Oil on Liver Functions in Lead Acetate Exposed Female Wistar Rats

Introduction: Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals that humans are often exposed to, making it a metal of public health concern, its exposure has been reported to be toxic to many organs especially the liver which is involved in its detoxification. This study aims to determine the effect of garlic (Allium sativum) oil on liver functions in Lead exposed rats.

Methods: A randomized block design was adapted for this study, with 20 Adult Female wistar rats randomly placed into 5 groups of 4 rats each. With group 1 being control treated with 1ml N/S only and group 2 treated with 50mg/kg lead acetate (LA) without garlic oil (GO). While groups (3, 4 and 5) in addition to 50mg/kg (LA) each was treated with 15mg/kg, 30mg/kg and 60mg/kg (low, medium and high dose (LA) respectively. A comparative hepatoprotective effect of (GO) at the various regimen of concentration was observed against the (LA) induced liver damage. Effects were observed as changes in levels of hepatocellular enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) as well as histological changes in the liver cells and variations in weights of the wister rats. ANOVA and Turkey was used to test significant difference at 95% confidence level using SPSS version 26.0.

Results: Results showed that treatment with lead in Group 2 reduced the percentage weight gain relative to control, while GO treatment ameliorated with the weight loss. Histology slides revealed severe portal hepatocellular degeneration, necrosis and inflammation in rats treated with Lead acetate, while treatment with GO reduced the severity of liver damage. Biochemical assay showed that treatment with lead acetate significantly increased serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP and treatment with GO reduced the level of these liver enzymes in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion: This finding suggests that garlic oil exhibited hepatoprotective properties by ameliorating the liver structural damage and reducing serum AST, ALT and ALP. GO also mitigated lead induced body weight loss. Populations at risk of exposure to lead should be advised to take garlic oil.