Abstract:
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a debilitating and life-threatening disease. Results from acute or chronic liver failure and is
characterized by abnormal cerebral and neurological alterations. This study aimed at investigating the effect of allicin, the
major functional component in freshly crushed garlic extract, on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in rats. Induction of HE
by a single dose of TAA (300 mg/kg; I.P.) was associated with a marked elevation in the serum levels of alanine amino-
transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin, albumin, total protein, blood urea nitrogen and serum ammonia besides
reduction in the serum level of albumin. Moreover, it was accompanied with an increase in the hepatic and brain levels of
inflammatory mediators; TNF-α and IL-1β as well as elevation of the hepatic and brain levels of oxidative stress biomarkers;
reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation evidenced by malondialdeyde. Oral administration of allicin (50, 100 and
200 mg/kg; P.O.) for 6 days prior to TAA injection restored the serum liver function, hepatic and brain levels of inflamma-
tory mediators as well as oxidative stress biomarkers in a dose-dependent manner. From our results, it can be concluded that
allicin has a protective effect on TAA-induced HE in rats in a dose-dependent manner due to its powerful antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties.
