Effect of garlic on the hepatic glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activity in rat

It was attempted to observe the effect of garlic on the hepatic glutathione s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activity in this study. Glutathione s-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) are thought to play a physiological role in initiating the detoxication of potential alkylating agents, inclnding pharmacologically active compounds. Glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) might play an important role in the protection of cellular structures against oxidative challenge. The activities of glutathione s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase in rat liver were increased by the treatment of garlic juice. Allicin fraction, heat-treated allicin fraction and garlic butanol fraction markedly inhibited glutathione s-transferase activityin vitro, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly increased in heat-treated allicin fraction and garlic butanol fraction.