Haematological Effects of Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum Bulb on Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum) which is a member of the Alliaceae family, has been widely recognized as a valuable spice and used as remedy for various ailments and physiological disorders. It is principally used to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar   and fight infections. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Allium sativum on the haematological parameters in adult Wistar rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing between 200-270 were procured and acclimatized for two before the commencement of the experiment. They were grouped into four (groups- A, B, C and D). Aqueous extract of Allium sativum was administered orally at doses of 150, 300 and 600mg/kg body weight respectively to groups B, C and D for  a period of five weeks.  Rats in group A served as control and were given distill water and animals feed daily for period of five weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for laboratory investigations. The result of the investigation showed that white blood cell (WBC) count and its differentials viz agranulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes) as well as the level of RBC and its related indices like Hb, MCV and MCHC especially in the groups treated with dose of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively were significantly increased when compared to control group. In conclusion:  The result showed that Allium sativum extract enhanced the immune cells by activating the production of leukocytes, lymphocytes and increased hemoglobin.