Therapeutic role of garlic and vitamins C and E against toxicity induced by lead on various organs

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Mar;27(9):8953-8964. doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-07654-2. Epub 2020 Feb 8.

Abstract

Due to industrial and urban sewage, the metal contaminations in aquatic and terrestrial environments are increasing day by day, especially in developing countries. Despite the study of several years, we are inert far away from an actual medication for prolonged toxicity of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium etc. Lead is one of the most common heavy metals that possess toxicological effects on numerous tissues of animals as well as humans. Several toxic effects of lead on reproductive organs, renal system, central nervous system, liver, lungs, blood parameters, and bones have been reported. On the other hand, several reports depicted that garlic is operative in declining the absorption of lead in bones as well as soft tissues. A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E enhances the biological recovery induced by lead and mobilize the heavy metal such as lead from intra-cellular positions. This review provides therapeutic approaches such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and extract of garlic to treat the detrimental effects caused after the exposure of lead. These therapeutic strategies are beneficial for both the prevention and alleviation of lead noxiousness.

Keywords: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C); Garlic (Allium sativum L.); Lead; Oxidative stress; Toxicity; Vitamin E (α-tocopherol.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Garlic*
  • Humans
  • Lead
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamins
  • Lead
  • Ascorbic Acid