Treating Lead Toxicity: Possibilities beyond Synthetic Chelation

Abstract

Lead, a ubiquitous metal, is one of the most abundant elements present on earth. Its easy availability and cost effectiveness made it an extremely popular component in the industrial revolution. However, its hazardous health effects were not considered at the time. Over the last few decades, with the adverse effects of lead coming to the forefront, nations across the world have started to recognize and treat lead toxicity. The most reliable and used method until now has been chelation therapy. Recent research has suggested the use of natural products and sources to treat lead poisoning with minimal or no side effects. This review has tried to summarize a few of the natural products/sources being investigated by various groups.

Keywords

• Oxidative stress
• antioxidants
• side effects of chelation
• coriander
• tea
• garlic
• turmeric
• ginger
• amla
• ascorbic acid
• allicin
• flavonoids
• catechins.