Safety Assessment of Garlic (Allium Sativum) Extracts on Body Weight and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Male Wistar Rats
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Abstract
This study evaluated the safety of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract by examining its effects on body weight and blood parameters in male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) male six-week-old albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 animals each: the control group given distilled water (Group A), Group B rats were administered 30mg/kg of garlic extract daily, and Group C rats were administered 60mg/kg of garlic extract daily. Body weight was monitored weekly, and blood samples were collected for analyses after 14 and 30 days of treatment. Phytochemical analysis of the extract indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. The treated rats showed a significant, dose-dependent increase in body weight gain when compared with the control. No significant changes were observed in the haematological parameters [packed cell volume (PCV) haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) count], liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)], blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or creatinine values of the treated groups compared to the control group after 14 and 30 days of the experiment. However, a significant reduction in white blood cell (WBC) count was observed in the treated groups after 30 days, along with an insignificant increase in platelets and lymphocytes, with a reduction in neutrophils. In conclusion, the results suggest that phytochemicals in the aqueous extract of Allium sativum may promote weight gain without causing negative effects on blood parameters or liver function. Therefore, the administration of Allium sativum is safe and may provide some beneficial effects.
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