Abstract. Three groups of adult male rats (six per group) were used in order to evaluate the effect of prolonged sublethal exposure to potassium cyanide (KCN) on some circulating biochemical indices, and the possible ameliorating effect of garlic on the considered indices. Cyanide administration caused significant (p<0.05) increases in plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and urea. On the other hand, plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin and creatinine were not significantly different between the experimental and control groups. The garlic administration modulated the cyanideinduced biochemical alterations, this effect being associated with its organosulfur compounds. Considering both antioxidant properties of garlic organosulfur compounds and their possible ability to elevate the cellular sulfane sulfur level, we suggest garlic as a possible candidate for therapeutic and prophylactic intervention of cyanide poisoning.

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