Assessment of Hepatoprotective Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Allium sativum (Garlic) in Diabetes Induced Male Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Allium sativum has been used traditionally for its various medicinal properties, including potential hepatoprotective effects and its role in managing diabetes. This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of Allium sativum(garlic) on diabetes induced male wistar albino rats. Sixty (60) healthy male wistar albino rats weighing 90g-120g were used. Diabetes was induced in the rats by a single intraperitoneal dose of 130 mg/kg of Alloxan monohydrate. The rats were grouped into six groups: Group A (un-induced, normal control), Group B (Untreated Diabetes-induced), Group C (Diabetes-induced treated with 5mg/kg glibenclamide) and Group D, E, F which are Diabetes-induced, treated with 200mg, 400mg and 600mg of ethanol extract of Allium sativum respectively. After the treatment period, blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture from each of the rats for Liver Function Test using standard analytical procedures. The Liver Function Test revealed activities of Alkaline Phosphatase, (ALP), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin levels were increased after induction. Consequently, these were brought to almost normal upon treatment with extract of Allium sativum, indicating the potency of the plant in protecting the hepatocyte.