Electrochemical evidences for the reaction of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone-imine with organosulfur compounds contained in garlic and onion extracts. Treatment of acetaminophen poisoning using garlic and onion extracts

The electrochemical oxidation of N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (acetaminophen) (AC) has been studied in the presence of garlic and onion extracts using cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and chronocoulometry methods. The results revealed that the electrochemically generated toxic N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone-imine participates in the Michael addition reaction with organosulfur compounds contained in garlic or onion extracts and is converted to its reduced none toxic form(s). Based on these results, garlic and onion extracts can be useful for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning before starting clinical treatments.