Abstract

Aims: The effects of aqueous garlic extract on lead-induced changes on the cerebellum of Wistar rats was investigated.

Methods: Forty five Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups. Group 1 served as Control. Groups 2 and 3 received lead at low and high doses. Group 4 received lead and garlic extract at low doses while Group 5 received lead at high dose and garlic extract at low dose. Group 6 received lead at low dose and garlic extract at high dose while Group 7 received lead and garlic extract at high doses. Group 8 and 9 received lead and Succimer at low and high doses respectively. Blood samples were collected for estimation of oxidative stress and the cerebellum sections were stained using routine hematoxylin and eosin and cresyl violet staining.

Results: Oxidative stress analyses of lead treated groups showed significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities and increased malondialdehyde level (P≤0.05) while significant increase in antioxidant enzymes activities and decrease in malondialdehyde level was noted in the lead and garlic extract Groups. Sections of the lead treated groups showed deleterious effects on cerebellum while aqueous garlic extract ameliorates the severity of the lead induced chances.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that aqueous garlic extract can reverse lead induced changes on the cerebellum.

Key words: Lead, Garlic, Oxidative stress, Antioxidant, Cerebellum