Protective and therapeutic effects of garlic and tomato on cadmium-induced neuropathology in mice

Abstract

Abstract Background Heavy metals are natural components of the earth’s crust and are considered as constant environmental pollutants since they cannot be degraded or destroyed easily. Cadmium (Cd) is present primarily in the ores of zinc, copper, or lead; the extraction and processing of which releases large quantities of cadmium into the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and soil thereby contaminating the human environment. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of garlic and tomato extract on cadmium-induced AChE activity, biochemical parameters along with the pathological changes in the brain tissue of mice. Methods Male Swiss albino mice (n = 40) were divided into several experimental (protective and therapeutic) groups and were given single dose of cadmium (6 mg/kg bw) with supplementation of garlic (100 mg/kg bw) and tomato (50 mg/kg bw) extract for 15 and 30 days under protective and therapeutic study. Results Cadmium-treated mice showed a significant decline in AChE (p < 0.01) level and total proteins (p < 0.0001) but a nonsignificant decrease in glycogen, cholesterol in the brain tissue activity as compared to control group. The histological study also showed degeneration in the form of vacuolation, congestion, hyperemia, lymphocytic infiltration, and edema in the brain (cortex and hippocampus) of Cd-treated mice. But the antioxidant-treated groups showed significant increment in AChE level and other biochemical parameters in the protective study. But there were significant variations in the therapeutic study, and this was also confirmed by the histological analysis of the brain. Both tomato and garlic administration showed more attenuation in the brain AChE activity, and it may be due to the strong antioxidant potential of their constituents. Conclusion We can conclude that cadmium exposure should be avoided as it causes neuropathological effects. But in daily life, it may not be possible, so we should regularly intake natural antioxidants which may neutralize the effects of heavy metals to some extent.