Protective role of allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) on cell surface glycoconjugate moieties in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene-induced oral carcinogenesis

Purpose: To evaluate the protective and restoring effects of allicin in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Methods: 1 week after receiving allicin (20 mg/kg body weight) orally, the buccal pouches of hamsters were painted daily with 0.5% 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) in liquid paraffin for 14 weeks and then every other day for another 2 weeks, after receiving allicin orally and thereafter for 14 weeks. The protective effects of allicin was evaluated by measuring the tumour incidence, tumour volume and tumour burdens as well as the levels of glycoconjugates were analyzed by using specific colorimetric methods. Animals not exposed to allicin and/or DMBA, those exposed to DMBA alone and others exposed to allicin alone served as controls. Results: Allicin significantly reduced the tumour incidence, tumour volume and tumour burden. DMBA-altered glycoconjugates in plasma, buccal mucosa tumour tissues and erythrocyte membrane of tumour bearing hamsters were normalized after treated with allicin. Conclusion: The results suggest that allicin has considerable potential to protect and restore the cell surface glycoconjugates moieties in the presence of allicin or possibly other oral carcinogenic agents.