Prophylactic Efficacy of Crushed Garlic Lobes, Black Seed or Olive Oils on Cholinesterase Activity in Central Nervous System Parts and Serum of Lead Intoxicated Rabbits

The effect of lead on cholinesterase activity in various central nervous system (CNS) parts and in serum, and the potential of crushed fresh garlic lobes, black seed and olive oils to combat lead poisoning in rabbits were assessed. Oral administration of lead acetate elevated BLL compared to control and sodium acetate groups. This increase was a function of the experimental time.Treatment of animals with crushed fresh garlic lobes, black seed or olive oils lowered BLL, with garlic was the most effective. Lead caused progressive decrease in the activity of acetylcholinesterase in different brain regions and spinal cord allover the experimental periods examined. The enzyme inhibition is generally reached its significance (P 0.05) after 10 and 20 days of lead acetate intake.Such alteration in cholinergic transmission suggests that lead is able to reach the CNS and exerts its neurotoxic effect. Serumacetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were also inhibited. Treatment of animals with crushed fresh garlic lobes, black seedor olive oils improved the enzyme activity in the central nervous system and serum. However, garlic was the most efficient. Theability of garlic to reduce lead toxicity may relay in its antioxidant/chelating action. Supplementation of diets with garlic is recommended to improve the body burden of lead and hence to protect the organ function against lead toxicity.