Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of Garlic (Allum sativum) on plasma lipid levels, serum proteins and electrolytes in
albino rats. Graded dietary supplementations of garlic viz: 0, 5, 10, 15,20, and 25 % administered to sixty (60) apparently
healthy male albino rats of the Wistar strain in five groups of ten (10) rats each. The Allium was supplemented for 30 days
in a complete randomized manner. A sixth group of ten rats served as the unsupplemented control. The result showed a
significantly (p<0.05) decreased plasma lipid (total cholesterol) level in a dose dep endent manner. The serum albumin
was significantly (p<0.05) decreased at 20 and 25 % supplementation levels. Though there was an increase in serum
globulin at higher supplementation levels, the increase was not significant. There was also significant (p<O. 05) reduction
in serum sodium and calcium levels as the garlic supplementation levels increased. There was however no significant
(p>0.05) effect on serum potassium levels in the supplemented groups. This study reveals that garlic has an effect on the
dynamics of plasma lipids and serum proteins, and key electrolytes concentrations. These investigations infer that garlic
intake has some desirable effects, but caution should be exercised in its consumption to minimize some possible adverse
effects which may be associated with an overdose or excess intake.
