Effects of Allium sativum on liver enzymes and atherosclerotic risk factors

Introduction: Allium sativum is a species in the onion genus. Some research studies have suggested possible cardiovascular properties for it. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of Allium hirtifolium as a hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic substance in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methods: Twenty seven New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into 3 equal groups and treated for 60 days as follows. Normal group received normal food and the two intervention groups were fed with a diet containing 1% cholesterol (hypercholesterolemic group) and hypercholesterolemic diet plus A. sativum extract, respectively. Before and at the end of the experiment, fasting blood specimens were taken from animals. Serum concentrations of cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG), apolipoproteins A and B, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glucose and insulin were measured at the end of experiment in studied groups. Atherosclerotic plaque thickness of aorta to media was also determined. Results: The animals fed with high cholesterol diet showed increased atherosclerotic plaque thickness to media compared to the control group, however, the group fed with hypercholesterolemia diet plus A. sativum significantly decreased atherosclerotic plaque thickness to media, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and increased HD compared to hypercholesterolemic control group. A. sativum did not cause any significant change in apolipoprotein A or B, SGPT, SGOT, hs-CRP, glucose and insulin compared to the control group. Conclusion: Allium sativum ameliorates lipid profile and has preventive effect on fatty lesions in aorta, hence may be beneficial in reduction of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.