ALLIUM SATIVUM REGULATES LIPID METABOLISM IN ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Allium sativum (A. sativum), commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. The hypolipidemic activity of A. Sativum (Family: Amaryllidaceae) extract have been studied in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In this model oral administration of extract (500mg/kg bw., p.o.) for 15 days in diabetic-dyslipidemic rats exerted significant lipid lowering effect as assessed by the reversal of serum levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglyceride, free fatty acids, protein and lipid peroxide. The decrease of lipids and apoprotein levels of Very Low Density Lipoprotein and Low Density Lipoprotein were followed by stimulation of plasma post-heparin lipolytic activity as well as lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, triglyceride lipase and lipoprotein lipase activities with increase in reduced glutathione. Lipid and apoprotein level of High Density Lipoprotein were also recovered partially on treatment with A. sativum extract. The results of the present study demonstrated antidyslipidemic and antioxidant activities in A. sativum extract which could be used in prevention of diabetic dyslipidemia and related complications. The hypolipidemic activity of A. sativum was compared with a standard drug glibenclamide (600 µg/kg b.w./day, p.o.).