Ameliorative Potential of Allium sativum against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Swiss Albino Mice (Mus musculus)

Background: Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used organophosphate pesticide in agricultural fields and is known to induce toxicity by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, leading to oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and metabolic disbalances. Objective: The impact of CPF and ameliorative effect of Allium sativum on Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) were assessed through biochemical markers, including lipid peroxidation, total serum protein, albumin, cholesterol and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP). Results: CPF exposure significantly increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated MDA levels (216.75%), disrupted liver function by increasing ALT (42.27%), AST (24.07%) and ALP (32.49%) levels. CPF exposure also reduced total protein and albumin levels (26.23% and 37.93% respectively) and also induced hypercholesterolemia. The co-administration of A. sativum (200 mg/kg) effectively protected the toxicity of CPF by reducing oxidative stress (165.99%), normalising liver function enzyme levels and restoring serum protein, albumin and cholesterol levels. The lower dose of A. sativum (100 mg/kg) provided partial protection and its efficacy was found to be statistically insignificant, whereas the higher dose showed a more considerable ameliorative effect. Conclusion: This study highlights the strong antioxidant, hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic properties of A. sativum, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent against pesticide-induced toxicity.