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Chidiebere .B. Ene et al JMSCR Volume 05 Issue 07 July 2017 Page 24893
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The effect of Allium Sativum (Garlic) on Pregnancy, Fetal Weights, and
Some Hematological Parameters in Albino Rats
Authors
Chidiebere .B. Ene1, Chukwunonso .A.Oguonu2 Paschal.U.Chime3, Celestine. O.Ani4,
Matthew. J.Olasunkanmi5, Francis U. Agu6, Etim. B7 .Daniel. C.Nwachukwu8
Anyaehie. B.Ugochukwu9
1Department of Chemical Pathology, College of Medicine University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
3,6,7,9 Dept of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus Nigeria.
2Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Benue State University
Makurdi, Nigeria,
4Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria,Enugu Campus Nigeria
5Department of Anatomy/Physiology, College of Health Science & Technology Idah, Kogi State Nigeria
Correspondence Author
*Celestine .O.Ani
Email: anicelestine2006@gmail.com; Phone:+2348034607689
ABSTRACT
The amount of weight gained during pregnancy can affect the immediate and future health of a woman and her
infant and could lead to complication such as hypertension in pregnancy. However, some studies has proposed
some benefits of some of the antioxidants found in garlic in reducing the occurrence of hypertension in
pregnancy, heart attack etc but there is paucity of information on the effect of garlic in pregnancy, fetal
weights/sizes and hematological parameters and these suffixed our investigation of the effects of garlic on
these parameters. The effect of Allium sativium (garlic) on pregnancy, fetal weights and some hematological
parameters were investigated in albino rats of wistar strain. The animals were divided into four (4) groups A,
B, C and D of ten (n=10) female rats each. Group A (control) was fed with normal rats chow and water ad
libitium. Group B were induced to pregnancy and treated with aqueous AS extract, Group C (n=10) pregnant
and received AS extract, Group D (n=10) non pregnant and received AS extract. Each of the rats baseline
parameters were determined prior to induction of pregnancy followed by weekly assessment of the parameters.
There were significant increase in the body weights (C>A>B>D) respectively. They were compared
statistically with P<0.05 considered statistically difference. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the
body weights of groups B, C and D compared with control group A. In the fasting blood glucose level (FBGL),
there was a decrease in group B while group C did not show any significant increase/decrease and groups B,
C and D were compared with group A and there was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the groups.
There was a significant increase in the RBC .It also, showed a statistical significant difference (P<0.05)
between group A and C on the day 14 and 21 respectively. The WBC of all the groups showed a significant
increase throughout the experimental period and there were significant difference (P<0.05) between groups B,
C and D compared with A on day 14 and 21, respectively. The HBC of groups A and D increased significantly
while group B did not show any significant increase/decreased and C decreased respectively. There were
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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i7.97
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significant differences (P<0.05) between groups C and D compared with A on day 14 and 21 respectively.
There was significant increase in the PCV of groups A and D while groups B and C decreased significantly.
There were significant differences between groups B, C and D compared to group A on day 14 and 21,
respectively. Platelet counts decreased significantly in all the groups and there were no significant differences
(P>0.05) among the groups compared with A. Therefore, these results suggest that the consumption of garlic
during pregnancy has a beneficial effect in the reduction of maternal/fetal weights and litter sizes and
maintenance of the blood parameters including FBGL.
Keywords: Litter weights/sizes, blood glucose, hematological parameters.
INTRODUCTION
Excessive weight gain during pregnancy has
shown to increase blood volume, cardiac output
and blood pressure during pregnancy. They
showed almost a 6-fold rise of induced
hypertension compared with women who had
adequate gestational weight [1]. The populations
demographics of women who become pregnant
have changed dramatically over the past decade,
more women are overweight or obese at
conception. Evidence supports associations
between excessive gestational weight gain and
increased birth weight and post-partum weight
retention but also between inadequate weight gain
and decreased birth weight[2]. Studies have shown
that obesity and excessive weight gain during
pregnancy had 1.78 times the odd of caesarean
section delivery as compared with normal body
mass index and adequate weight gain in
pregnancy [3]. Excessive weight gain (obesity) is
thought to trigger changes in the body
metabolism. These changes cause fat tissues
(adipose tissue) to release fat molecules into the
blood which can affect insulin responsive cells
and lead to reduced insulin sensitivity which could
cause type 2 diabetes. An increase in overall
fatness preferentially of visceral as well as ectopic
fats depots is specifically associated with insulin
resistance and the accumulation of intramyo-
celluar lipids may be due to reduced lipid
oxidation. It is a well-known fact that excessive
weight gain is associated with diabetes,
hypertension and hyperlipidemia which are major
risk factors for artery disease because of increase
blood volume, increased cardiac output increased
accumulation of fats in adipose tissues and
decreased sensitivity of insulin to glucose.
Avoiding excessive weight gain before and during
pregnancy help to reduce these [4]. Obesity which
is an oxidative stressed condition worsens the
complications and the uses of antioxidant found in
garlic are protective against this free radical
damage in the body. Antioxidant properties of
Allium sativum (garlic) compounds represent the
four main chemical classes, alliin, allyl cysteine,
allyl disulphide and allicin exhibit different
pattern of antioxidant activities as protective
compounds against free radical damage
[5].Therefore, there is paucity of information on
the effect of garlic in pregnancy, fetal
weights/sizes and hematological parameters and
these suffixed our investigation of the effects of
garlic on these parameters.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Plant collection and identification
The cloves of A. sativium were purchased from a
local market in Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria and
were identified and authenticated at the
Herbarium unit of the Department of Plant
Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological
Sciences of the University of Nigeria Nsukka by a
taxonomist and a sample of the plant was kept at
their herbarium unit with voucher number
UNN/2016/1126C.
Preparation of the extract
The A. sativium bulbs were peeled and washed
with distilled water to reduce the microbial loads
that could be found on the surface of the bulbs and
were air dried under a shed. 500 g of the weighed
garlic bulbs were crushed and blended with an
electric blender by Thermocool Product Ltd. The
resultants were squeezed and sieved using a What
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man clean dry piece of cloth.25 g of the powered
A. sativium was weighed and mixed in
approximately 100 ml of distilled water and the
mixture was allowed to stand for 48 h after which
it was filtered using Whatman filter paper of size
(N0. 41). The filtrate was collected in a beaker
and stored in a refrigerator at about 3°C till ready
for use in which oral route of administration was
used using a stainless oral cannula for rats and the
using the formula stated as follows:
Dose (mg/kg) × weight of the rats (kg)
Vol =
Stock concentration (mg/ml)
Phytochemical screening
This study investigated the qualitative and
quantitative analysis of the major bioactive
constituents of A. sativium (garlic) in its aqueous
nature. The phytochemical tests were conducted
using standard method of[6] for standard analysis.
The result of the phytochemical screening showed
the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin,
tannin and cardiac glycosides. Quantitative
analysis showed the highest yield of tannins (2.5
g/100 g) and lowest yield of flavonoids (0.05
g/100 g). Saponin was 0.24 g/100 g and cardiac
glycoside (1.88 g/100 g).
Determination of the weights
The body weights of the experimental animals
were determined prior to the commencement of
the research in order to determine their baseline
values in which the top loading digital weighing
balance by Havard apparatus was turned ON and
allowed to stabilize. A cylindrical transparent
glass rats restrainer was placed on the balance and
weighed and the weight tarred to zero mark before
introducing the rats individually and their weights
were recorded in gram (g)
Determination of liter sizes
A small piece of tailors thread was used to
measure the liter sizes in which the thread was
used to measure the height of the liter from the
base of the caudal region to the forehead and the
length measured on a meter rule to ascertain the
height in meter. Moreover, the thread was also
measured round their abdominal region to
determine the circumference of their abdomen and
recorded in meters.
Determination of haematological parameters
The Automated Hematological Analyzer was used
to analyze the hematological parameters like
packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count
(WBC) red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin
concentration (HB) and platelet count (PCT). The
analyses were carried out based on standard
methods.
Experimental animals
A total of forty-eight in breed wistar rats of age
between 10 and 12 weeks of weight ranging from
120 to 200 g were used for this study. They were
procured from the Animal House Unit of the
Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology of the
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the
University of Nigeria, Nsukka and transported to
Animal House Unit of the Department of
Pharmacology/Therapeutics of the College of
Health Sciences, Benue State University,
Makurdi, where the research was conducted after
14 days of acclimatization under 12 h dark/light
cycle. The rats were housed in cages and
maintained under standard environmental
conditions of about 27°C and were provided with
clean water and commercial rats feed (Vital feeds
ltd, Jos Plateau State Nigeria) ad libitum. The
animals were handled according to the protocols
approved by the Research Ethics Committee of
the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital
Enugu.
Acute toxicity test
The acute toxicity test was performed according to
the method of [7] which involves two phases (1
and 2). Phase 1 required 9 non pregnant female
rats divided into three groups each. Each group of
the animals was administered different dosages
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(10,100 and 1000 mg/kg) of the garlic extract and
placed under observation for 24 h to monitor their
behavior as well as mortality. While Phase 2
involves the use of 3 non pregnant female wistar
rats distributed into three groups of one animal
each. The animals were administered higher doses
(1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg) and then observed
for 24 h for mortality or signs of toxicity. The
LD50 was calculated using the formula by [7] :
LD50 = square root (DO × D100)
DO = Highest dose that gave no mortality; D100 =
Lowest dose that produced mortality.
Induction of pregnancy in rats
The estrous cycle of the female rats were
monitored and males of proven fertility were
introduced into their cages in the ratio of one male
to five females (1:5) and allowed for mating to
occur. Mating in the females were confirmed from
a vaginal smear in which a clean cotton swabs
were inserted into the vagina of the female rats
and samples of deposit of semen were collected
and observed for grey or protein coagulate in
normal saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and a clean
glass slide was provided and a drop of the semen
solution was collected using a pipette and dropped
on the slide and covered with a clean cover slip
and mounted on a microscope and viewed for the
presence of dead spermatozoan. The presence of
dead spermatozoan was confirmed [9]. Fertility and
conception in the female wistar rats were
confirmed from by the traditional methods such
as; aggressiveness of the female rats after mating,
copulatory plugs in their vagina which is a sign
that it has been mated and avoidance of other
males from mounting her, slight daily increase in
their body weight more than non-pregnant ones,
cessation of estrus cycle, hair loss around the
nipple mostly in the last week of parturition and
enlarged lower abdomen and more interest in food
intake.
Experimental Design
A total of forty-eight healthy rats after
acclimatization were used. The rats comprised of
forty (40) females and eight (8) males. They were
divided into four groups comprising of the
follows:
Group A (n =10): No pregnancy and received no
garlic (control):
Group B (n= 10): Pregnancy+ garlic
Group C (n = 10): Pregnancy- garlic
Group D (n =10): No pregnancy + garlic
Statistical analysis
The collected data were presented as mean ±
standard deviation (X + SD) and were analyzed
using the statistical package for social sciences
(SPSS) computerized software version 21). The
data generated were analyzed using one-way
analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc
(Turkey) test for comparing their means. A
probability P < 0.05 was considered statistically
significant.
RESULTS
Table 1 showed the result of the qualitative and
quantitative analysis of the major bioactive
constituents of SA (garlic) in its aqueous nature.
The phytochemical screenings were conducted
with strict adherence with the standard method of
analysis. This result shows the presence of
flavonoids, alkaloids saponin, tannin, carbohy-
drate, reducing sugar and alkaloid. The qualitative
analysis showed the highest yield of tannin (2.52
g/100 g) and lowest yield of flavonoids (0.05
g/100 g) etc.
Table 2 shows the effect of A. sativium on body
weight of all treatment groups. From the table
they observed that there was an increase in body
weights of all the groups A, B, C, D from day zero
to day 21, but the weight of group A (control) was
compared statistically using their mean + standard
derivation (Mean ±SD) and found that there was
no significant difference (P>0.05) in their body
weights from the day 7 (week 1) of the treatment
with the A. sativium extract till the end of the
experimental period (day 21).
Table 3 shows the mean body weights/ litter sizes
of the post natal litters. Therefore, group B shows
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a significant decrease in the post natal weights of
the litters and sizes compared to group C. This
shows that garlic caused a significant reduction in
body weights of the dam during the experimental
periods. The effect was not significant in the post
natal litter sizes and there was no significant
difference between group B and C in the post
natal litter sizes and weights.
Table 4 shows the result of the mean + SD of
effect of SA extract on the fasting glucose level
measured in milligram per deciliter (mg/dl). There
was no significant increase or decrease in the
control (group A) as the variation in their fasting
blood sugar level fluctuated with a slight decrease
on day 14 (week 2). There was a decrease in the
fasting blood glucose level of group B. Group C
(no garlic + pregnancy) did not show any
significant increase or decrease in fasting blood
sugar level but group D showed a significant
decrease in fasting blood sugar level from 88.60 +
8.90 to 77.40 + 6.3. All the experimental test
groups were compared statistically with the
control group A and formed that there were no
significant differences (P>0.05) among all the
treatment groups compared with control group A
from the onset of the experiment till the end on
day 21 (week 3).
Table 5 shows the effect of AS (garlic extract) on
the RBC parameter expressed in million per cubic
millimeter. Groups A, B and D showed a slight
increase on their RBC compared to group A. The
treatment groups were compared with control
(group A) and the result showed a P-value less
than 0.05 (P <0.05) and ways considered to have
statistically significant difference (P<0.05) on the
day 14 and 21 (week 3) of the experimental period
.But there was no significant difference (P>0.05)
on days 0 and 14 when compared using one-way
ANOVA, multiple comparison show a significant
difference (P <0.05) between grou espectively.p C
compared with group A on day 14 and 21 r
Table 6 shows the result of the Mean±SD of the
effect of A. sativium on haemoglobin
concentration of all the rats in the experiment.
There were significant increase in the
haemoglobin concentration of group A, B and D
but non in group C. Group C decreased from a
mean ± SD of 13.20 ± 1.05 to 11.40 ± 0.34. Their
mean values and standard derivation were
compared statistically using one-way ANOVA on
the days and found that there were significant
difference (P<0.05). Groups B, C and D were also
compared individually using multiple comparison
and discovered that group B and C were
statistically significant (P<0.05) difference on day
14 and 21 of post treatment period, but there was
no significant difference between group D and the
control group A (P>0.05). Table 7 also shows the
result of the effect of SA on PCV of the rats. At
the endof the experiment (day 21), it was observed
that the PCV of the control groups A and D
increased significantly. Group A increased from
35. 80±1.48 to 40.60 ± 0.89 and group D
increased from 36.20±2.86 to 42.20± 2.39 while
groups B and C decreased in their values
respectively Group B with an initial value of
37.00±2.90 decreased to 36.20±1.14 and group C
decreased from 38 .80±2.77 to 34.00±1.22 though
their decrease could be negligible. They were
compared statistically to certain the level of their
significant difference on day 14 and 21 and
discovered that there were significant difference
(P<0.05) on day 14 and 21 respectively when
compared to the control group A. They were also
compared individually with the control group A
using post hoc test and found that groups B, C and
D were significantly difference with group A on
day 14 and 21 respectively.
Table 8 stated the mean±standard deviation of the
weekly platelet count on the effect of SA on
pregnant rats. Their platelet values were
discovered to have decreased throughout the
experimental periods. These decreasing effects
was also compared statistically using one-way
ANOVA and found that there were no significant
differences (P>0.05) among all the experimental
groups compared with A. They were analyzed
individually and compared with group A and
found that it was only group D that showed a
statistically significant difference (P<0.05).
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Table 9 shows the result of the mean±standard
deviation of the total white blood cell count of all
the experimental groups. There was a significant
increase in the white blood cells of all the groups
A, B, C and D. with appreciable values. But that
values were compared statistically using one ay
ANOVA on the day 7, 14 and 21 and formed that
there was a significant difference (P<0.05) groups
on day 14 and 21 compared with the control
(group A) but not with day 0 and 7.There were
compared individually with group A Group B and
C were statistically different (P<0.05) compared
with group A on Day 21 but there was a
significant difference (P<0.05) between group D
compared with group A on day 14 and 21
respectively.
Table 1. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of garlic
Phytonutrient
Quantity (g/100 g)
Quality
Alkaloid
0.03
+
Tannin
2.52
+++
Saponin
0.24
++
Cardiac glycoside
1.88
+++
Flavonoids
0.05
+
Reducing sugar
Nil
-
Carbohydrate
0.07
+
Key; +++ = High concentration
++ = moderate concentration
+ = low concentration
Table 2. The mean ± standard deviation pre/post natal materials body weights.
Group
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
A
130.32±12.3
142.60±13.5
152.80±10.64
161.30±11.5
B
134.18±12.58
137.20±12-03
141.60±11.71
145.90±11.41
C
132.80±5.39
142.40±5.46
128.80±6.57
168.40-±8.96
D
141.9±10.34
135.00±10.58
127.9±10.06
115.60±9.55
Values were pressed as mean ± SD: *P<0.05 compared with A.
Table 3. The mean body weights/litter sizes of the offspring after birth.
Groups
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
B
5.67/ 4.52
6.54/4.91
8.20/5.01
9.34/6.58
C
6.82/5.10
8.6/5.52
8.40/5.65
9.52/7.22
Table 4. The mean ± SD of fasting blood glucose level (mg/dl)
Groups
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
A
90.20±34.80
91.00± 32.3
89.80±33.6
90.80±31.8
B
82.00±12.70
81.60±12.8
80.00±12.40
78.60±12.4
C
94.00±10.20
94.40±10.3
92.20±7.8
94.60±9.5
D
84.60±8.90
82.20±8.3
79.80±7.2
77.40±6.3
Values are expressed as Mean ± SD *P<0.05 compared with A.
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Table 5. Mean ± SD of the RBC counts for all the experimental groups (×10 6/mm3).
Groups
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
A(n=10)
5.04. + 0.52
5.30+ 0.58
5.48+ 0.44
5.76+ 0.40
B(n=10)
6.94+ 1.07
7.08+ 1.07
7.32+ 1.11*
7.56+ 1.27*
C (n=10)
6.56+ 0.53
6.76+ 0.72
6.70+ 1.11*
7.08+ 0.76*
D(n=10)
5.66+ 1.12
6.76+ 1.31
7.36+ 1.27
7.84+ 1.22
Values are expressed as Mean ± SD *P<0.05 compared with A.
Table 6. The Mean ±SD of the haemoglobin concentration (g/dl)
Groups
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day
21
A(n=10)
12.40±0.65
12.90±0.65
13.30±0.45
13.70± 0.5
B(n=10)
12.60±1.14
12.80±1.27
12.50±1.00
12.70±0.82
C(n=10)
13.20±1.05
13.20±0.85
12.00±0.35*
11.40±
0.34*
D(n=10)
12.50±0.61
12.80±1.05
13.30±0.88*
13.60±0.53*
Values are expressed as mean ± SD *P<0.05 compared with A.
Table 7. The mean ± standard deviation of the weekly packed cell volume (PCV) counts (%).
Groups
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
A
35.80±1.48
36.60±1.14
38.00±1.22
40.60±0.89
B
37.00±2.90
36.80±3.11
36.20±1.79*
36.20±1.14*
C
38.80±2.77
37.60±2.88
35.60±1.52*
34.00±1.22*
D
36.20±2.86
38.20±2.86
40.00±2.55*
42.20±2.39*
Values are expressed as Mean ± SD *P<0.05 compared with A.
Table 8. The mean ± SD of the weekly platelet counts (×10 9/L).
Groups
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
A
260.80±42.68
259.00±42.13
256.83±41.04
256.80±44.99
B
278.00±33.45
270.00±33.45
264.00±33.66
238.20±36.02
C
251.00±47.73
245.20±47.83
238.20±46.69
227.80±48.22
D
238.20±44.52
222.00±38.17
220.80±33.90*
205.80±34.55
*
Values are expressed as mean + SD *P<0.05 compared with A.
Table 9. Mean±standard deviation of the WBC counts for all the experimental groups (×103/ml).
Groups
Day 0
Day 7
Day 14
Day 21
A(n=10)
5.96±0.83
5.90±0.45
5.96±0.86
6.12±0.88
B(n=10)
6.94±1.07
7.08±1.07
7.32±1.11*
7.56±1.27*
C(n=10)
6.56±0.53
6.76±0.72
6.70±1.11
7.08±0.76*
D(n=10)
5.66±1.12
6.50±1.31
7.36±1.27*
7.84±1.22*
Values are expressed as mean + SD *P<0.05 compared with A.
DISCUSSION
This study investigated the effect of SA extract
(garlic) on pregnancy, fetal weights and
hematological parameters in rats. In this study
increase in body weights of all the experimental
groups from day zero to end of the experimental
period indicated an increase in flood volume and
the effect of chronic exposure to normal feeds ad
libitum. Their feeding habits were not controlled
from the research conducted. The group that
received no garlic but was pregnant recorded the
highest increase in the body weight and that could
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be as a result of the effect of the increasing size of
the fetus as the experimental period progresses.
This was followed by the control group (A) and
group B (Garlic + pregnancy) respectively. While
the least value of group D could be as a result of
the effect of garlic on body weight and this work
is in agreement with that of Mak-Son [16] This
highest value recorded in the pregnant and not
treated group could be as a result of non-specific
metabolic stimulant in the gonad which is at the
height of its activity during pregnancy together
with the general increase in the size and weight of
the whole reproductive system resulting from the
pregnancy. This condition accounts in some
measure for the increase in weight of the pregnant
animal over the non-pregnant during the same
period. According to the journal of nutrition
published in November 2011 researcher looked at
the effect of garlic and fat storage in mice and
discovered that garlic has the potential to reduce
body weight due to its capacity to burn body fats.
Allyi Isothiosulfate which is a major constituent
or components of garlic, inhibits anti-
inflammatory effects. The beneficial effects of
garlic can be attributed to organosulfur
compounds including alliciin and its derivatives
[10]. The slight decreasing effect on some of the
groups treated with the garlic extract could be as a
result of minute quantity of flavonoid present
which acts as an antioxidant present in garlic. The
researchers concluded that garlic could play a role
in weight management causing the animal to take
in fewer calories. Moreover, the reduction in fetal
weight and sizes could also be an attribute of the
phytonutrients founds in garlic like flavonoid or
that flavonoid could be a potentiating factors
against weights increase. The fasting blood
glucose level was often significantly lower in the
group D (garlic + No pregnancy) when compared
to groups B (garlic + pregnancy), A (control) and
C (pregnancy, no garlic). This shows that garlic
has tendency of reducing fasting blood sugar level
and this reducing effect is in line [10]. This study
has shown that daily feeding of dam with aqueous
solution of garlic slightly increases the
hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume
and red blood cell counts of group B and D.
Group A recorded a slight increase in their red
blood cell count and that could be attributed to
normal exposure to feed which also resulted in
weight gain. This work contradicted the report
given by [11] when he reported a reduction in
packed cell volume from his own study.
According to a research conducted, garlic extract
is an active oxygen scavenger. It is thus possible
that garlic components compete with haemoglobin
on the red blood cell for oxygen resulting in
hypoxia which then stimulates haemoglobin
synthesis and red blood cell production. It is also
possible that the end product of garlic metabolism
in the body stimulates the kidney directly to ease
formation and secretion of erythropoietin.
White blood cell counts are known to increase
sharply when infection occurs as one of the first
line of defense of the body The increase in white
blood cell counts following the treatment with
garlic extract confirms the anti-infection
properties of garlic [12]. This research is agreement
with the earlier work by [13]
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the results of this study show that
AS contain appreciable amounts of some
phytonutrients and this provided a basic rationale
in its use in the management of some ailments
such as hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus,
hypertension etc. Though antihyperglycaemic
effect of garlic has been confirmed in animal
studies, scientific evidence from human studies is
lacking [14] as most of the clinical studies on anti-
hyperglycemic effect of garlic on fasting blood
glucose level in normal healthy individuals but not
in hyperglycemic patients, leaving no doubt that
the role of garlic in the management of
hyperglycemia still needs to be confirmed in
humans. Garlic (A. sativium) showed a beneficial
effect on weight reduction both on pregnancy and
in non-pregnant rats. The effects of garlic in blood
parameters were also beneficial to both normal
and pregnancy individuals. The increase in white
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blood cell count of both the pregnant and non-
pregnant rats showed a beneficial effect in
boosting immunity and control of excessive
weight gain both by the fetus and the pregnant.
Therefore, this study is in agreement with the
research work of [14]. showed that treatment with
garlic extract improves the activation of natural
killer cells T - lymphocytes and also that of [15]
who showed that garlic extract stimulates immune
functions.
Preliminary investigation on acute toxicity study
in mice showed that the extract was not toxic to
mice at the tested doses. The probable mechanism
underlying garlic hypoglycemic effects is most
likely increased insulin secretion and sensitivity
[16]. Despite that, antidiabetic potential of garlic
has been confirmed in animal studies, while
scientific evidence in human studies is lacking [14].
Therefore, these results suggest that the
consumption of garlic during pregnancy has a
beneficial effect in the reduction of maternal/fetal
weights and litter sizes and maintenance of the
blood parameters including FBGL.
Conflicts of Interests
The authors have not declared any conflict of
interests.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors sincerely acknowledge the efforts of
the management and staff of Department of
Physiology and Pharmacology of the College of
Health Sciences, Benue State University for
providing a conducive laboratory and animal
house that enabled the conduct of a successful
research.
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