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Planta Med 2010; 76(3): 241-244
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1186141
Pharmacology
Original Papers
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Individual and Combined Effect of Meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid and Allicin on Blood and Tissue Lead Content in Mice

Mohammad Reza Aslani1 , Vahid Najarnezhad1 , Mehrdad Mohri1
  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Further Information

Publication History

received April 29, 2009 revised August 10, 2009

accepted August 18, 2009

Publication Date:
17 September 2009 (online)

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Abstract

It has been shown that garlic and its main bioactive component, allicin, as natural chelating agents can reduce blood and tissue lead content in animal models. In this study the effect of allicin, alone or combined with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), in decreasing lead content of blood and tissues of mice was evaluated. Swiss albino mice were exposed to 1000 ppm of lead in water for 35 days and then placed in various treatment groups including groups administered oral allicin, DMSA, or their combination. The concentrations of lead in blood, kidney, liver, bone and brain were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both, allicin and DMSA decreased the blood and tissue lead concentration. There was an additive effect of the combined administration of allicin and DMSA in reducing bone lead. No side effect was observed in all treated groups. Combined use of DMSA and allicin seems to be a better choice in the treatment of chronic lead intoxication.

Key words

lead poisoning - chelating agent - allicin - meso‐2,3‐dimecaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) - garlic - Allium sativa - Liliaceae

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Prof. Dr., DVM, DVSc M. R. Aslani

Department of Clinical Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

PO Box 91 775–1793

Mashhad 9177948974

Iran

Phone: + 98 51 18 76 38 51

Fax: + 98 51 18 76 38 53

Email: mraslani@um.ac.ir