Effects of Aqueous Extract of Garlic (Allium Sativum) on Testicular Functions in the Rat

Abstract

There are several beneficial effects of garlic (Allium sativum) in scientific literature, coupled with its nutritional uses as tenderizer and spices. Folklore medicine also refers to its use in the treatment of some diseases. To the best of our knowledge, the impact of the A. sativum extract on male reproductive system has not been duly reported. The effect of aqueous extract of A. sativum on male reproductive system was therefore investigated in albino rats. Fifteen male rats divided into three groups were treated with distilled water (control), 50mg/kgBW/day (low dose), 100mg/kgBW/day (high dose) of the extract respectively. Administration of the vehicle and extract was done orally for 30 days before the animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose. There was a significant decrease in the weight of the epididymis but the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate were not affected. Alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and Aspartate aminotransferase [AST] activities were significantly reduced by the crude extract in the treated rats. A significant decrease in sperm count, motility, percentage normal morphology and epididymal volume were observed. However, the percentage live sperm was not affected. Serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased. The result suggests that the crude extract has deleterious effect on the sperm functions without systemic toxicity

Keywords: Allium sativum, nitric oxide, sperm, ALT, AST and testosterone

Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 26-30