Chronic nicotine toxicity is prevented by aqueous garlic extract

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nicotine exposure is linked to oxidative stress and organ damage.
• Garlic possesses known antioxidant properties.
• Investigating natural compounds for protective effects against toxins is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective role of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) against nicotine-induced oxidative organ damage.
• To assess the impact of AGE on biochemical markers of oxidative stress and tissue integrity.
• To examine the histological changes in organs following nicotine exposure and AGE treatment.

Main Methods:

• Male Wistar albino rats were administered nicotine alone or with AGE for 21 days.
• Biochemical analyses included malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
• Histopathological examination of aorta, heart, kidney, and urinary bladder tissues was performed.

Main Results:

• Nicotine administration significantly decreased GSH levels and increased MDA, MPO activity, and collagen content, indicating oxidative injury.
• AGE treatment reversed these changes, restoring GSH levels and reducing MDA, MPO activity, and collagen.
• AGE improved renal function markers (BUN, creatinine) and reduced tissue damage, including histological improvements.

Conclusions:

• Aqueous garlic extract (AGE) demonstrates significant protective effects against nicotine-induced oxidative organ damage.
• AGE mitigates oxidative stress by modulating key biochemical markers and improving tissue histology.
• These findings suggest AGE as a potential therapeutic agent for conditions associated with nicotine-induced toxicity.