Vol. 9, Issue 12, Part E (2025)

This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of a garlic-derived lectin in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-six age-matched rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6): (I) normal control; (II) disease control (CCl₄ only); (III) positive control receiving silymarin (200 mg/kg, orally); (IV) garlic lectin 10 mg/kg; (V) garlic lectin 20 mg/kg; and (VI) garlic lectin 40 mg/kg. Liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ (2 mL/kg in 50% vegetable oil) twice weekly for five weeks. From 6th to 8th week, rats were treated with silymarin (orally) or lectin (intraperitoneally) at the designated doses. Compared to the disease control group, lectin-treated animals particularly those receiving 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg showed significant improvement absolute and relative liver weight, suggesting hepatoprotection. Hematological assessments indicated restoration of red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) toward normal levels. The elevated total white blood cell (WBC) counts observed in CCl₄-exposed rats.

Biochemical analyses revealed marked normalization of liver function parameters: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), BUN, Creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were significantly lower in the lectin-treated groups versus disease control.

In conclusion, garlic-derived lectin administered at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg demonstrates potent hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory in rats with CCl₄-induced liver injury, as evidenced by changes in hematological and sero-biochemical parameters.