The Effect of Garlic (Allium Sativum) Extract on Lead Detoxification in Kidney Tissue of Neonatal Rat

Background & Aims: There are several reports about anti-oxidant effects of garlic in the literature. In this study the effect of garlic alcoholic-water extract on the treatment of lead-induced toxicity in kidney of neonatal rat and the protective effect of garlic alcoholic water extract on body and kidney weight and also kidney tissue were investigated. Method: Neonatal rats were divided into 7 groups, (n=8). The first group (control) received no material, the second group (sham) received 0.1 ml normal salin, the third group received 0.6 g/l lead, the forth group received 0.4 g/kg garlic alcoholic – water extract in water and alcohol solution (each 50%) and the fifth, sixth and seventh groups first received 0.6 g/l lead and then respectively 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, g/kg garlic. All substances were administered through gavage and in 10 consecutive days. Twenty four hours after the last day of injection, body and kidney weights were measured and after mild anesthesia, kidney was removed and fixed in formalin for preparing tissue sections. Tissue alterations were investigated by light microscope. Results: Based on the obtained results, body and kidney weights in the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th groups showed significant Increase as compared with the control group. Body and kidney weight in the 4th group showed significant decrease as compared with lead group. Histological examination of kidney tissue showed that garlic administration decreased the rate of kidney tissue damage. Conclusion: Garlic, due to its antioxidant effect, can prevent lead-induced toxicity and tissue damage in the kidney.