Two minerals, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), were tested in mice to see if extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) can alter the levels found in various tissues of the body after exposure to those minerals. Humans have used garlic for at least 5,000 years.
Garlic and it’s oil contain three sulfur compounds, seventeen amino acids and vitamins A, B and C. The main component of the oil is allicin and dialkyltrisulfide. Garlic is immune enhancing and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-tumor activity. The chemicals in garlic are anti-oxidant.
Exposure to Cd and Pb suppress the immune system and the treatment of lead and cadmium exposed mice with garlic extracts resulted in reduction of concentrations of Cd and Pb in liver, kidney, heart, spleen and blood. Toxins concentrate, especially, in the liver. The usual depression of immune function was greatly reversed by treatment with aqueous garlic extracts.
CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate the reversal of Cd and Pb induced immuno-suppression by garlic extracts. Garlic was also shown to reduce the concentrations of Cd and Pb in various organs.
NOTE: The use of garlic in many forms is encouraged for general detoxification and immune system stimulation. Read about the effect of cooking on garlic. Read about the effect of enivironmental lead on urinary urate levels. Read about antioxidants and cadmium toxicity.
PMID: 17916975.
Summary #201.
