Onion and garlic extracts as potential antidotes for cadmium‐induced biochemical alterations in prostate glands of rats

Cadmium (Cd) has been implicated in increased prostate gland malignancy risk in both wildlife and humans. This study examines the chemoprotective roles of onion and garlic extracts on Cd‐induced biochemical alterations in the prostate glands of rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups: control group received double distilled water; Cd group received Cd alone (1.5 mg/100 g bwt per day); extract‐treated groups were pre‐treated with varied doses of onion and/or garlic extract (0.5 ml and 1.0 ml/100 g bwt per day) for 1 week and then co‐treated with Cd (1.5 mg/100 g bwt per day) for additional 3 weeks. Oxidant/antioxidant status and acid phosphatase (ACP_total and ACP_prostatic) activity were examined in prostate glands. Cd intoxication caused a marked (P < 0.001) increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) levels, whereas glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were markedly (P < 0.001) decreased. We also observed significant (P < 0.001) decrease in ACP_total and ACP_prostatic activities in prostate glands and a concomitant significant (P < 0.001) increase in the plasma. However, treatment of Cd‐intoxicated rats with onion and/or garlic extract significantly minimised these alterations. The onion extract offered a dose‐dependent protection. Our findings suggest a chemoprotective capability for onion and garlic extracts against Cd‐induced biochemical alteration in the prostate glands.