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Garlic-induced alteration in rat liver and kidney morphology and associated changes in endogenous antioxidant status
S K Banerjee1, M Maulik, S C Manchanda
1Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 110029, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
The effects of chronic garlic intake on various endogenous antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation on two major organs, the liver (L) and kidneys (K), were investigated. Wistar albino rats were fed with fresh garlic homogenate daily by gavage in three different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. After this period, rats were sacrificed and liver and kidneys were harvested for biochemical estimation. In comparison to saline-treated rats, the 250 mg/kg/day dose significantly (P<0.02) reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (L: 187.48+/-9.23 vs 150.66+/-11.45; K: 177.38 15.88 vs 120.66+/-9.39 nmol/g wet. weight) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (L: 0.2438+/-0.05 vs 0.0046+/-0.0005; K: 0.1459+/-0.034 vs 0.0055+/-0.0003 U/mg protein). There was no change in catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) but superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased significantly (P<0.01) (L: 5.49+/-0.76 vs 18.38+/-2.26; K: 11.47+/-1.48 vs 21.22+/-3.19 U/mg protein). Both 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day doses significantly (P<0.05) reduced endogenous antioxidants (catalase and SOD) without altering TBARS. A 1000 mg/kg/day dose of garlic caused marked histopathological and ultrastructural changes in both liver and kidneys. The results suggest that garlic in low doses has the potential to enhance the endogenous antioxidant status, although at higher doses a reversal of these effects is observed. The present study also highlights the potential ability of a high dose of garlic to induce morphological changes in the liver and kidneys, indicating the need to identify a safe dose range for garlic.
Insights
Low-dose garlic intake enhances antioxidant enzymes in rats, while high doses reverse these effects and cause organ damage. Further research is needed to determine a safe garlic dosage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Garlic is widely consumed for its potential health benefits.
- Its effects on endogenous antioxidant systems and organ health require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic garlic consumption on antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rat liver and kidneys.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of garlic on these biochemical markers and organ morphology.
Main Methods:
- Wistar albino rats were administered fresh garlic homogenate at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 30 days.
- Liver and kidney tissues were analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
- Histopathological and ultrastructural examinations were performed on liver and kidney tissues.
Main Results:
- The 250 mg/kg/day dose of garlic significantly reduced TBARS and GPx while increasing SOD in both liver and kidneys.
- Higher doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg/day) reduced endogenous antioxidants (catalase and SOD) without affecting TBARS.
- The 1000 mg/kg/day dose induced significant histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the liver and kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose garlic intake may enhance endogenous antioxidant status.
- High doses of garlic can reverse these beneficial effects and potentially induce organ toxicity.
- Identifying a safe and effective dosage range for garlic consumption is crucial.