Raghuveer Choudhary.
Benificial effect of Allium sativum and Allium tuberosum on experimental hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Pak J Physiol Jan ;4(2):7-9.

Background: Garlic has been used as a dietary agent through-out the world. Different culture used different varieties of garlic depending upon their ecological productivity. In India Allium sativum species of garlic is very commonly used, while another species of garlic named Allium tuberosum is used in South-east Asia, China and North-east part of India. Both the species are important constituent of customary diet in Indian and Chinese food. The main aim of this study is to compare the potency of these two species for their antihyperlipidemic effect and curative potential against atherosclerosis. Methods: Forty-three guinea pigs were fed cholesterol (0.5 g per kg. body weight) for an initial period of 4 weeks. Cholesterol was then discontinued and they were divided into three groups. Group-I (n=7) was fed stock diet while group-II (n=18) was given 2 gm. per kg body weight of Allium sativum daily for 4 weeks. Group-III (n=18) was supplemented by Allium tuberosum species of garlic (2 gm/kg body weight) daily for 4 weeks period. Fasting blood samples were collected at onset of study, at 4 weeks duration and finally at the end of study (8 weeks period), for estimation of serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, LDL-C. HDL-C, VLDL-C and atherogenic index. At 8 weeks duration all the animals were sacrificed for grading of atherosclerotic lesions. Results: In present study both species of garlic (A. sativum, A. tuberosum) showed significant hypolipidemic activity as they reduced serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and atherogenic index in hyperlipidemic guineapigs (p<0.01). The significant rise in HDL-C level was not observed. On comparison between Alliums sativum & Alliums tuberosum it was found that Allium tuberosum very significantly reduced serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides, LDL-C and atherogenic index (p<0.05). Allium tuberosum species of garlic was found more potent (p<.05) than Allium sativum in reducing severity of atherosclerosis. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Allium tuberosum species of garlic is a more potent hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic agent as compared to Allium sativum.

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