ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Ameliorative Role of Ethanolic Extract of Allium sativum (Garlic) on Chromium-induced Membrane Damage in Male Albino Rats

Membrane damage is one of the most important consequences of chromium (Cr) induced cytotoxicity. Allium sativum (Garlic) possesses antioxidant property to scavenge the toxic radicals and cytoprotective activity. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the protective effects of ethanolic extract of garlic (EEG) on Cr-induced membrane damage of liver and kidneys in male albino rats. For this study male albino rats of Wistar strain (80-100 g) were used. Rats were divided into three groups of almost equal average body weight. The animals of two groups were injected K₂Cr₂O₇ at a dose of 0.8 mg per 100 g body weight per day for 28 days. The animals of one of the Cr-treated groups served as the supplemented group supplied ethanolic extract of garlic (EEG) (400 mg per kg body weight) daily at an interval of 6 h after injection of Cr for a period of 28 days. The animals of the remaining group received only the vehicle (0.9% NaCl), served as control. The body weights were taken in each day of the treatment schedule. The results indicated that significant increases in membrane cholesterol as well as significant decreases in membrane phospholipid in Cr exposed animals suggest structural alterations in both liver and kidneys plasma membrane. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total ATPase, and Na+-K+- ATPase activities were significantly decreased in both liver and kidneys plasma membrane. On the other hand, EEG supplementation restores such alterations induced by Cr in plasma membrane of both liver and kidney. These findings indicate that Cr treatment at the present dose and duration induces structural and functional alterations in the plasma membrane in both liver and kidney. However, EEG supplementation restored such alterations induced by Cr in plasma membrane of both liver and kidneys but was not able to eliminate the deposited Cr from liver and kidney.