Uncovering the neuroprotective powers of Allium sativum: exploring its potential to alleviate malathion- associated Parkinson s-like behavioral symptoms in a rat model

Background: Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, has been a revered traditional medicine for millennia, rich in diverse phytochemicals with various medicinal properties, such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, pain killer, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and wound-healing properties. Its remarkable therapeutic potential makes garlic a beneficial natural treatment for many health issues. Objective: This research examined the neuroprotective effects of garlic against Malathion (Mal)-associated Parkinson’s-like behavioral symptoms in rats. Methods: Animals were categorized into eight groups at random: (1) saline-treated group (control); (2) Mal group (100 mg kg⁻¹); (3) Mal + garlic (50 mg kg⁻¹); (4) Mal + garlic (100 mg kg⁻¹); (5) Mal + garlic (150 mg kg⁻¹); (6) Mal + L-DOPA (10 mg kg⁻¹); (7) garlic (150 mg kg⁻¹); and (8) polyethylene glycol (PEG) group (L-DOPA vehicle). Treatment lasted 28 days, followed by behavioral assessments and analyses of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, antioxidants levels, and proinflammatory cytokines in the striatum. Results: Mal exposure caused neurobehavioral toxicity with increased MDA, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), alongside decreased GSH concentration and AChE activity. Garlic treatment successfully mitigated these effects. Conclusion: The findings suggest that garlic may have a favorable impact in treating Parkinson’s disease by enhancing antioxidant levels and mitigating oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, countering the harmful effects of pesticides like Mal. Additional studies necessary to thoroughly explore garlic’s protective benefits in this area.