Restorative Effect of Garlic on Fatty Liver

Abstract

Objective: To assess the restorative role of garlic on high-fat induced hepatocellular damage. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done at BMSI, JPMC from 1st - 30th October 2008 after obtaining ethical approval. Thirty adult albino rats, weighing 220 to 240 gram were divided into three groups according to dietary regimen. Group A served as control, group B received high-fat diet (20 mg butter in 100 gm of diet) and group C was given same quantity of butter as in group B along with 6% fresh crushed garlic in diet for 4 weeks. The rats were sacrificed, liver removed, weighed and processed for haematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: There was significant increase in the body weight and absolute liver weight in group B animals receiving high-fat diet, both of which decreased significantly after the concomitant use of garlic in group C. Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections revealed shrunken portal triad, swollen hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei in high-fat diet group as compared to control animals, while in group C hepatocytes were polygonal in shape with vesicular nuclei comparable to control group A. Conclusion: Garlic has restorative role in high-fat induced hepatocellular damage. Fatty liver produced by high quantities of saturated fats, such as butter can be ameliorated by the use of garlic.