The effects of dietary supplementation of Allium sativum on some vital biochemical parameters in male Albino rats

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.