Modulation of heart redox status by garlic based on route of administration in rat

Abstract

We analyzed the ability of high dosage garlic administered per orally (p.o.) or via intraperitoneal (i.p.) route to act on heart antioxidant status in rats. In this organ, p.o. garlic is an antioxidant as it decreased H₂O₂ and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and increased free iron level. However, it had no effect on malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) but decreased peroxidase (POD) activity. Intraperitoneal garlic is pro-oxidant as revealed by high MDA, LDH and H₂O₂ levels. It also induced an increase in free iron deposition and in CAT and SOD activities, but this way of treatment has no effect on POD activity. It can be concluded therefore that high garlic dosage is safer when orally administered. These effects are free iron mediated and organ specific.

Key words: Garlic, heart, redox status, administration way, lipoperoxidation, free iron, hydrogen peroxide.