Protective effect of combined aqueous extracts of Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale against lead acetate induced hepatotoxicity and testicular damage in Rattus norvegicus

Abstract

Lead has been described as one of the most toxic metals in our environment.1 It also forms part of a group of metals described as carcinogenic in humans Its carcinogenic potential is considered to be dependent on the metal’s oxidation state, solubility and complex formation.2 Due to increasing anthropogenic activities and vehicular emissions, it has been indicated that the amount of lead available in the environment for potential consumption via food chains and drinking water supplies is on the rise.2 Lead poisoning is also a global health problem but it is unrecognized as such in a number of African countries. Lead poisoning as indicated by elevated blood lead levels (BLL) have been observed in the general population in some parts of Nigeria.3 In adults, occupational exposure to lead is the most common cause of lead poisoning with a wide range of physiological, biochemical, behavioural and organ dysfunctions mostly the kidney, liver, spleen and testes.3 In 2013, lead was believed to have resulted in 853,000 deaths, which occurred mostly in the developing countries with the poor been at greater risk.4 Descriptions of lead poisoning is dated to at least 2000 BC.5,6