Aqueous Garlic Extract Research Articles

Garlic extract (Allium sativum L.) attenuates neurodegeneration and microvascular damage in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite numerous studies exploring the anti-diabetic properties of garlic in managing DM symptoms, its impact on DR remains limited. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of garlic in managing DR in a streptozotocin-induced DR rat model. Rats were divided into three groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), and diabetic group (DG) treated with aqueous garlic extract (GE). Histological examination revealed a significant reduction in retinal thickness in DC rats compared to that in DG rats, which showed restored retinal thickness similar to the NC group. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed significant improvements in retinal vascular density, main artery diameter, and blood vessel numbers in DG rats compared to DC rats. The findings suggest that GE protects against DR. Furthermore, garlic could be recommended as a beneficial dietary supplement for diabetic patients to manage and delay the progression of DR.

Investigating the Efficacy of Various Natural Products in Raw Form against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance urges alternative and efficacious antimicrobial solutions. Historically, medicinal plants have been used for therapeutic purposes, such as relieving pain and healing wounds. However, the evaluation of the natural therapeutic effects of medicinal plants in a manner that resembles how humans typically consume them is lacking. Therefore, in this study, many medicinal plants known to have some antimicrobial effects, including Frankincense, Garlic, Myrrh, and Ginger, were evaluated for their direct antibacterial activity in raw form. The direct antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants was evaluated against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus), Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae using agar well diffusion method and turbidity measurements in suspension culture. Out of all the tested medicinal plants, only raw garlic (Allium sativum) powder, when dissolved in water or vinegar, offered a straightforward antibacterial activity. A combination of garlic extract and vinegar increased antibacterial activity. Aqueous garlic extracts displayed robust antimicrobial activity against many resistant bacteria. Other medicinal plants used in this study had absent or minimal antibacterial effects. Only garlic in its raw form was effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The increase in the antibacterial activity of garlic when combined with vinegar suggests the synergistic activity of garlic. The straightforward antibacterial action of raw garlic may be strategically harnessed to combat the continuous challenge of increasing antibiotic resistance. This work promotes additional testing of more natural products (in raw form) and assesses their therapeutic effects clinically.

Garlic Extract Increased Acrylamide Formation in French Fries Obtained by Different Cooking Methods.

Fried potato products are the largest dietary source of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen formed at high temperatures. Previous studies suggested that garlic powder could decrease the development of acrylamide; however, there has not been much focus on the effect of garlic extract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of garlic extract exposure on the development of acrylamide in French fries in popular home cooking techniques such as pan-frying, air-frying, and oven-frying. Initially, the antioxidative profile, total phenolic content, and chlorogenic acid content of garlic were analyzed. Subsequently, potatoes were treated with garlic extract and fried using pan-frying, air-frying, and oven-frying techniques. Acrylamide levels were then quantified through HPLC and compared to control groups. The findings showed that garlic exposure increased the acrylamide formation in French fries obtained with air-frying (311.95 ± 0.5 μg/kg) and with oven-frying (270.32 ± 23.4 μg/kg) (p < 0.005 *). This study offers new insights into varying acrylamide formation levels in domestic practices. Unlike previous studies, this study is the first to question the effect of aqueous garlic extract exposure. Further research is required to comprehend the interaction between garlic exposure and acrylamide formation in household settings.

Antimicrobial Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Allium Species on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Several Other Microorganisms.

This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs), varying in size, against clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, and C. albicans, as well as the antimicrobial effects of aqueous extracts and lyophilized powders of Allium (garlic) species. CNPs were synthesized through ionotropic gelation and characterized by Z potential, hydrodynamic diameter (dynamic light scattering, DLS), and SEM. Aqueous garlic extracts were prepared via decoction. We assessed antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods; in addition, a modified agar proportion method in blood agar was used for antimicrobial activity against MTB. CNPs inhibited MTB growth at 300 μg for 116.6 nm particles and 400 μg for 364.4 nm particles. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against E. faecalis with nanoparticles between 200 and 280 nm. Allium sativum extract produced inhibition for C. albicans at 100 μg. The results indicate that CNPs possess significant antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, including MTB, at high concentrations. On the other hand, aqueous Allium sativum extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity. Nonetheless, due to their instability in solution, the use of lyophilized Allium sativum powder is preferable.

Dual protection of aqueous garlic extract biomolecules against hemolysis and its oxidation products in preventing inflammation.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is recognized as functional food, rich in bioactive compounds that can combat diseases associated with oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the protective potential of aqueous garlic extract against hemolysis and oxidation. Despite being caused by membrane fragility, hemolysis can lead to inflammation through the oxidation of its products, and in some cases, even exacerbate it in certain pathological contexts. Supplementation with antioxidant molecules can improves oxidative status, in this study, we selected garlic, an excellent functional food, and targeted its effects using aqueous extract and pure molecules. The aqueous garlic extract was prepared under safe conditions and subjected to toxicity on human neutrophils and red blood cells before experimentation. The results indicate that aqueous garlic extract significantly reduces hemolysis with a maximum protection of 98. 74 ± 1. 08 % at a concentration of 5μg/ml. Additionally, experiments were conducted with pure compounds found in garlic such as quercetin, gallic acid, and caffeic acid. The outcomes show that quercetin reduces hemolysis of RBC with a maximum protection of 88. 8 ± 2. 89 % at 20 µM followed by caffeic acid and gallic acid. The action mechanism of the extract was tested on human neutrophil cells, the extract significantly reduced luminol-amplified chemiluminescence of PMA-stimulated neutrophils up to 50 % at 10 µg/ml in addition to its ability to directly scavenge hydrogen peroxide. Our results suggest that aqueous garlic extract exerts promising anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Through its dual protection against hemolysis and Ros production, garlic may indirectly prevent inflammation reducing the oxidation of hemolysis products. These abilities make garlic aqueous extract promising candidate for improving cardiovascular health, reducing oxidative stress and modulating immunity.

Ultrasensitive and selective colorimetric and smartphone-based detection of arsenic ions in aqueous solution using alliin-chitosan-AgNPs.

In this study, we developed a highly selective and sensitive colorimetric sensor for arsenic [As(iii)] detection using alliin-chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AC-AgNPs). The AC-AgNPs were synthesized using a complex prepared by mixing aqueous garlic extract containing alliin and chitosan extracted from shrimp. The synthesis of AC-AgNPs was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, which showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 403 nm, and TEM analysis revealing spherical nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 7.57 ± 3.52 nm. Upon the addition of As3+ ions, the brownish-coloured solution of AC-AgNPs became colourless. Moreover, the computational study revealed that among all the metal ions, only As3+ was able to form a stable complex with AC-AgNPs, with a binding energy of 8.7 kcal mol-1. The sensor exhibited a linear response to As(iii) concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 1.4 fM, with a detection limit of 0.023 fM. The highest activity was observed at pH 7 and temperature 25 °C. Interference studies demonstrated high selectivity against common metal ions. The study also demonstrated that the concentration of As3+ ions can be estimated by the decrease in red intensity and increase in green intensity in smartphone optical transduction signals. These results indicate the potential of the AC-AgNP-based sensor for reliable and efficient arsenic detection in environmental monitoring.

Modulation of gene expression in immune-related organs by in ovo stimulation with probiotics and prophybiotics in broiler chickens.

In ovo stimulation has been studied intensively as an alternative to antibiotic use in poultry production. We investigated the potential use of a probiotic in combination with a phytobiotic as a prophybiotic for in ovo stimulation and reported its beneficial effects on the gut microbiome of broiler chickens. The current study further investigates the gene expression in the immune-related organs of these chickens to understand the tissue-specific immunomodulatory effects of the treatments. The selected prophybiotic (Leuconostoc mesenteroides with garlic aqueous extract) and its probiotic component alone were injected into ROSS308 chicken eggs on the 12th day of incubation, and gene expression in cecal tonsils, spleen, and liver at 35 days of age was determined using qPCR method. The relative expression of each treatment was compared to the positive control, chickens injected with physiological saline in ovo. The results displayed a downregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the cecal tonsils of the probiotic group and the liver of the prophybiotic group. The spleen displayed upregulated AVBD1 in both groups and upregulated IL1-β in the probiotic group. The probiotic group displayed increased expression of genes related to metabolism of energy (COX16), protein (mTOR), and lipids (CYP46A1) whereas the prophybiotic group displayed reduced expression of genes related to cholesterol synthesis (SREBP1) and glucose transportation (SLC2A2) in the liver. In conclusion, Leuconostoc mesenteroides differentially modulated gene expression in chickens when administered in ovo in combination with garlic aqueous extract. Further in ovo studies with different prophybiotic combinations are required to optimize the benefits in broiler chickens.

Efficacy of Fungicides and Plant Extracts against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas Incitant of Fusarium Wilt of Sweet Potato (Ipomeae batatas L.)

In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of some fungicides and some plant extracts against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. batatas (Fob). The experiments were conducted in the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the Department of Crop Protection, Bayero University Kano. Three fungicides (Mancozeb, Hexaconazole and Metalaxyl + coprous oxide) and sterile distilled water as control were arranged in a completely randomized design. The treatments were repeated five times. Mancozeb as the most promising fungicide against the fungus was used as a check, other treatments include; 25% aqueous neem leaf extract, 50% aqueous neem leaf extract, 25% aqueous garlic bulb extract, 50% aqueous garlic bulb extract, 25% aqueous callotropis leaf extract, 50% callotropis leaf extract and control. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design and repeated thrice. Data on radial growth and percent growth inhibition of the fungus were recorded and subjected to analysis of variance using GenStat 17th Edition. Among the fungicides tested against Fob, Mancozeb significantly had the least radial growth (13mm) and inhibited growth of the pathogen by 71.1% compared to the other fungicides. Bioassay on plant extracts revealed least radial growth of the fungus (36.7mm) and highest percent growth inhibition (43.5%) when 50% aqueous neem leaf extract was used. This differed significantly with the use of 25% aqueous neem leaf extract which caused 39.3 mm radial growth of the fungus and inhibited growth by 38.5%. This was followed by 50% and 25% callotropis leaf extract, respectively with lower fungal growth and higher percent growth inhibition compared to aqueous garlic bulb extract at the different concentrations, exhibiting similar effect on the growth of the fungus and its inhibition. Aqueous neem leaf extract (50%) contained higher phytochemicals than the other botanical extracts at the different concentrations. These phytochemicals are responsible for better suppression of Fob. Application of 50% aqueous neem leaf extract could be further evaluated as potential bio-pesticide to supplement the use of fungicide against Fusarium wilt of sweet potato.

Anti-angiogenesis efficacy of the aqueous extract of Allium sativum and its combination with melatonin in an animal model: in vivo and ex vivo studies

To better understand Allium sativum’s anti-angiogenesis activity, we undertook this study to examine its effect on the ex vivo rat aortic ring and the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane. Additionally, we compare Allium sativum’s anti-angiogenesis activity to melatonin and study the benefits of their combination. The study included six albino male rats (aged 5–7 weeks). The rats were euthanized, and then the thoracic aorta was removed and cut into rings that were 1 mm thick. The study was divided into three groups: a negative control (1% v/v DMSO), a positive control (100 μg/mL melatonin), and an aqueous Allium sativum extract. The test compounds were subjected to serial dilutions to obtain 100, 50, 25, 12.25, and 6.25 μg/mL concentrations. In addition, the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane was also undertaken. Allium sativum and melatonin significantly inhibited the rat aorta ring; the IC50 was calculated (IC50 = 8.04 for Allium sativum and 3.313 for melatonin). The zone of inhibition for melatonin, Allium sativum, and the combination showed that the combination had the strongest effect on the CAM assay. This zone scored (++) and (+++), respectively. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of Allium sativum provides a potent anti-angiogenesis effect, and its combination with melatonin had a synergistic effect, further enhancing its anti-angiogenesis effect.

Antifungal efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum L.) on selected crop seed-borne fungi

This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effectiveness of garlic products on fungi associated with cowpea, sorghum, maize, and groundnut seeds. The in-vivo evaluation involved a seed culture bioassay treated with garlic aqueous extract, while the in vitro antifungal activity of the extract on the radial growth of isolated fungi was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The treatments included garlic powder, garlic paste, garlic powder + molasses, garlic aqueous extracts at 100%, garlic aqueous extracts + adjuvant, and Thiram® (a synthetic fungicide). On untreated cowpea seeds, Aspergillus niger was the most frequently isolated fungal species, with an incidence of 61.5%. Cowpea seeds treated with 100% garlic extracts showed zero incidence of fungal colonies, whereas sorghum seeds + garlic aqueous extract displayed only A. niger. The in vitro study revealed that the inhibitory effect of 100% garlic aqueous extracts + adjuvant on the radial growth inhibition of A. niger, A. flavus, and P. chrysogenum was 78.86%, 70.40%, and 67.36%, respectively. In contrast, the inhibition by garlic powder + molasses and the control was significantly lower (p≤0.05) than other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that garlic extracts could be a potential source of organically-based natural fungicides for safeguarding crop seeds.

Three accelerated methods based on microwave, hydrothermal and conventional heating in the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using garlic aqueous extract: Screening and characterization

Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) have unique biological characteristics, including anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the green synthesis of Se NPs using plant extracts, due to their natural reductant and stabilizer molecules, can intensify the process with minimal toxic effects on the human body and the environment. Se NPs have been synthesized using an aqueous extract of garlic and three accelerated heating methods based on microwave (800 W for 2.5 min), hydrothermal (temperature and pressure of 121 ºC and 1.5 atm, for 15 min) and conventional (at 150 ºC for 1 h) heating using a heater with stirring. Solution mixtures containing 20 mL of the prepared extract and 5 mL of sodium selenite solution (10 mM) were exposed to these three mentioned heating methods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess characteristics of the formed Se NPs. The results showed that the fabricated Se NPs via microwave, autoclave and conventional heating methods had minimum particle size (107 nm) and polydispersity index (0.155), and maximum zeta potential (-38.7 mV) values. Furthermore, the spherical formed Se NPs using garlic extract and under microwave, conventional and autoclave heating methods had antioxidant activity of 44.2, 34.8 and 32.6 %, respectively. The formed Se NPs also indicated high antibacterial activity toward Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria strains.

Influence of Allium Sativum on the Hypoglycaemic Activity of Gliclazide in Normal Rats: A Possible Approach to Herb-Drug Interaction

This study depicts the selected dose of Allium sativum (104 mg/kg body weight) on the hypoglycemic activity of preferred dose of gliclazide which are studied in normal wistar rats. Materials required for the study are procured from Sai Chemicals, Visakhapatnam, India. Mature wistar rats of both the sex were used for the study. Prior to the trial the rats were confined for 18 hr with access to water ad libitum. During the study water was removed. Orally gliclazide was administered at 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg body weight to I, II and III groups respectively. Blood samples are taken by retro-orbital puncture at intervals of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 &amp; 16 hr and blood glucose levels were determined by GOD/POD method. The acute dose of Allium sativum when given along with gliclazide increased the hypoglycemic activity of gliclazide at 2nd, 6th and 8th hr intervals but it was significant at 2nd hr only and the effect was shown to be reduced at all other ie., 1st, 3rd, 10th and 12th hr time intervals. The aqueous extract of Allium sativum is influencing the absorption pattern of gliclazide since it was reported to have an increasing motility of the gastro intestinal tract.

Effect of Honey and Aqueous Garlic Extracts against Short-Term Exposure of Cigarette Tobacco Smoking in Mice: Histopathological and Biochemical Investigations.

It is well known that cigarette smoking adversely affects human health and induces oxidative stress in most vital organs. This study aims to assess the biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural values of honey and garlic extracts in ameliorating the effects of short-term exposure to cigarette smoke in mice. Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into six equal groups: group I was exposed to fresh air only, group II was exposed to cigarette smoke, group III was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group IV was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group V was given 0.2 ml of garlic extract, and group VI was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of aqueous garlic extract. These exposures were repeated daily for 21 consecutive days among the treated groups. By the end of the third week, the animals were euthanized by physical cervical dislocation. Blood was taken for biochemical study, and the selected organs of the liver, kidney, and jejunum were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The biochemical results showed that short-term exposure of experimental mice to cigarette smoking did not alter the liver function tests except for decreasing the albumin level. Moreover, cigarette smoking elevates the concentration of carbonyl protein content and cystatin C. Histologically, the use of honey and garlic showed good protection to the liver, kidney, and jejunum, which was proved by transmission electron microscopy, in addition to lowering the oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, using honey and/or garlic helps protect the liver, kidney, and jejunum against the hazardous effects of cigarette smoke.

Prophybiotics for in-ovo stimulation; validation of effects on gut health and production of broiler chickens

Probiotics and phytobiotics have demonstrated effective improvement of gut health in broiler chickens when individually administered in-ovo. However, their combined use in-ovo, has not been studied to date. We coined the term "prophybiotic" (probiotic + phytobiotic) for such a combination. The current study therefore, aimed to elucidate the effects of combined use of a selected probiotic and a phytobiotic in-ovo, on broiler gut health and production parameters, as opposed to use of probiotics alone. ROSS 308 hatching eggs were injected with either Leuconostoc mesenteroides (probiotic: PB) or L. mesenteroides with garlic aqueous extract (prophyiotic: PPB) on the 12th day of incubation. Relative abundances of bacteria in feces and cecal content (qPCR), immune related gene expression in cecal mucosa (qPCR) and histomorphology of cecal tissue (PAS staining) were analyzed along with production parameters (hatch quality, body weight, feed efficiency and slaughter and meat quality). PPB treatment increased the abundance of faecalibacteria and bifidobacteria in feces (d 7) and Akkermansia sp. in cecal content. Moreover, it decreased Escherichia coli abundance in both feces (d 34) and cecal content. PB treatment only increased the faecalibacteria in feces (d 7) and Akkermansia sp. in the cecal content. Moreover, PPB treatment resulted in up-regulation of immune related genes (Avian beta defensing 1, Free fatty acid receptor 2 and Mucin 6) and increased the crypt depth in ceca whereas PB treatment demonstrated a higher crypt depth and a tendency to increase Mucin 6 gene expression. Both treatments did not impair the production parameters studied. In conclusion, our results suggest that in-ovo PPB treatment may have enhanced potential in boosting the immune system without compromising broiler production and efficiency, as compared to the use of probiotic alone. Our study, highlights the potential of carefully selected PPB combinations for better results in improving gut health of broiler chickens.

Biofabrication of silver nanoparticles using diallyl sulphide (DAS) and comparison of cytotoxic potential of DAS-AgNPs and Kodaikanal Hill garlic in human cervical cancer

Abstract Garlic (Allium sativum) exhibit well defined therapeutic properties due to presence of distinct bioactive compounds, specifically organosulphur compounds. Spectral analysis by UV–Vis and FT-IR confirmed interaction of different functional groups and free electrons with the electromagnetic waves showed presence of different bioactive compounds formulated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using diallyl sulphide (DAS) also done for aqueous garlic extract. Different assays performed for confirming the presence of antibacterial and anticancer properties of DAS-AgNPs and garlic extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit Gram negative (Escherichia coli, V. cholera) and Gram positive (S. aureus, B. cereus) were found lesser in DAS-AgNPs followed by garlic extract. Cytotoxicity effect confirmed by DAS-AgNPs and A. sativum towards HeLa cell line by MTT assay. The IC50 values obtained for MTT assay were at 24.09 μg/ml in DAS-AgNPs and 129.22 μg/ml in garlic extract. Anticancer efficacy was found more potent in DAS-AgNPs as compared with aqueous garlic extract.

In-vitro antibacterial activity of Kodai hill garlic (Allium sativum) aqueous extract against wound infection pathogens including MRSA

In-vitro antibacterial activity of Kodai hill garlic (Allium sativum) aqueous extract against wound infection pathogens including MRSA

Effect of antifungal botanical extracts on seed-borne fungi prevalence and germination of Terminalia ivorensis seeds in Ghana

The use of synthetic fungicides for the management of seed-borne pathogens are detrimental to human health and the environment. In view of this research was conducted to assess the effect of antifungal botanical extracts (garlic, neem and Senna alata) on seed-borne fungi prevalence and seed germination of Terminalia ivorensis seeds. Two major seed-borne fungi of two genera namely Aspergillus niger and Colletotrichum sp. were isolated from the seeds. There was a hundred percent incidence of seed-borne fungi infection of Terminalia ivorensis seeds. Aspergillus niger was predominant with an incidence of 91.7% while Colletotrichum sp. had an incidence of 8.3%. There were significant differences between treatments with respect to total seed-borne fungi prevalence. Seeds treated with Senna alata aqueous extract showed the highest 100.0% prevalence of total seed-borne fungi followed by seeds treated with neem (75.0%) whilst seeds treated with aqueous garlic extract recorded the least (8.3%) total seed-borne fungi prevalence. The highest (100.0%) prevalence of Aspergillus niger was recorded by seeds treated with Senna alata whilst the least (8.3%) recorded in seeds treated with garlic. Colletotrichum sp. was only prevalent on seed treated with Mancozeb 80% WP at 8.3%. Significant variations were observed between treatments regarding germination percentages of Terminalia ivorensis seeds. Seeds treated with garlic extract recorded the highest (50.0%) germination percentage whilst the lowest (21.7%) recorded by Senna alata. Treating forest tree seeds with garlic extract before sowing could inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens and therefore improve germination.

Heavy consumption of garlic (Allium sativum) exert nephro- and pulmonary toxicity at maternal and embryonic level in the Albino rats

ABSTRACT Despite the health benefits of herbals, random misuse of such therapy without consult tends to participate in public health issues. This study describes the nephro-and pulmonary toxicity effects of heavy consumption of garlic (Allium sativum) during developmental period. Two groups of ten healthy pregnant female Albino rats each were formed from the 20 in total. Gavages of distilled water were administered to the control group. Since garlic group rats orally received garlic aqueous extract (GAE) 1 ml/rat daily from gestational day (GD) 6 to 19. Kidney functions and lipid biomarkers were assayed along with histopathological investigations. Our results confirmed that the group that received garlic had significantly increased serum levels of urea, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. Moreover, the foetal and maternal tissues of the kidney and lung exhibited a varying degree of histopathological manifestations characterized by kidney necrosis and lung haemorrhage, severe congestion, and thickening of the blood vessels. Renal and pulmonary fibrosis were detectable by Masson’s trichrome. A positive expression of the foetal kidney and placental tissues towards Bax protein was noticed. In conclusion, depending on existing findings, the administration of higher concentrations of garlic could explode renal and pulmonary toxicity and decrease the rat’s weight.

Protective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Allium Sativum (Garlic) On the Histomorphology and Biochemical Parameters of Lead -Induced Cerebellar Injury on the Adult Male Wistar Rats

The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of an aqueous extract of Allium sativum on the biochemical parameters and histo-architecture of lead-induced cerebella damage in male Wistar rats. Sixteen male rats were procured for the study. They were divided into 4 groups, with 4 rats in each group. Group 1 (Control group) received only food and water, those in group 2 were given lead at the dosage of 120 mg/kg body weight. Group 3 received lead at the dosage of 120 mg/kg body weight and the extract at 300 mg/kg body weight while those in group 4 were given lead at the dosage of 120 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract. The extracts were administered orally for 21 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical evaluation. The rats were sacrificed, and their cerebella were harvested for histo-morphological studies. The levels of Superoxide dismutase (22.49 ± 1.21) and Malondialdehyde (1.17 ± 0.092) were normal in group 1. There was significant derangement in their levels in group 2, Superoxide dismutase (9.83 ± 0.93) and Malondialdehyde (11.42 ± 1.82). In groups 3 and 4, the levels of Superoxide dismutase increased towards the levels of the control group (12.81 ± 1.13, 16.06 ± 0.29), while those of Malondialdehyde also decreased towards the levels of the control group (6.49 ± 0.57, 3.12 ± 0.36). The histo-architecture of the cerebella in group 1, appeared normal, those in group 2 showed traumatic encephalopathy of the granular cell layer. In groups 3 and 4, there was mild tissue traumatic encephalopathy. The extract of A. sativum showed a significant protective effect on the biochemical parameters and histo-architecture of lead-induced cerebella damage in adult male Wistar rats.

Antibacterial Potential of Activated Carbon Impregnated with Garlic Extract

Contamination of water resources by pathogenic microorganisms is a major concern worldwide. As an example, hospitals generate effluents with a wide range of chemical and microbiological contaminants. These effluents are generally not treated beforehand due to the high costs and are, therefore, mixed with domestic effluents in regional treatment systems. Thus, actions to maintain water quality include the development of appropriate materials for its sustainable treatment. In this context, this study aims to develop natural antibacterial materials by impregnating aqueous and alcoholic extracts of garlic in activated babassu charcoal to reduce the microbial load of effluents. This material has been tested in a standard saline solution, which simulates the composition of hospital wastewater and allows bacteria to develop. The biomaterials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, pHPZC assays, Boehm’s method, and microbiological assays. Significant antibacterial activities were verified for the garlic extract-impregnated biomaterials; the activated carbon functionalized with HNO3 and impregnated with aqueous garlic extract inhibited 100% of E. coli growth. This result pointed to garlic extract associated with babassu activated carbon as a green alternative for the pre-treatment of complex effluents, such as hospital effluents.