EVALUATION OF THE MODIFYING INFLUENCE OF ARECANUT ON THE GARLIC-MODULATED HEPATIC DETOXICATION SYSTEM ENZYMES, SULFHYDRYL CONTENT, AND LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN MICE

This paper evaluates the potential effects of arecanut (Areca catechu, L.), an important ingredient of betel quid, on the garlic (Allium sativum, L.)-modulated activities of hepatic detoxication system enzymes, acid soluble sulfhydryl content, and lipid peroxidation in mice. Mice were fed on either a normal diet or a diet containing 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1% (w/w) arecanut for 45 days. During the last 10 days of treatment oral administration of garlic at the dose level of 20 or 100 mg/kg body weight/day was supplemented. Significant modulation in the activities of phase I and phase II enzymes, -SH content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level by garlic was observed. Garlic-modulated alterations in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and -SH content were decreased, while cytochrome b(5), cytochrome P-450, and MDA levels were further augmented by the arecanut plus garlic treatments. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.