Effects of garlic (allium sativum) on the weights of liver in albino rats

Background: the widespread use of the garlic as household remedy in the diabetic and hypertensive patients necessitates the estimation of its safer dose range and duration as it is completely metabolized in the liver. objective: to evaluate adverse effects of garlic (allium sativum) extracts on liver of adult albino rats. methods: in this experimental study a total of 45 wistar albino rats of both sexes weighing between 250-350 grams were selected randomly. they were divided in three groups. two different doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of fresh garlic extract by orogastric tube for thirty days were given to the animals. after this period,histopathological analysis was then performed on the livers of the sacrificed rats. the gross parameters studied were the gross appearance and shape of liver and the quantitative gross parameters observed were body weight,liver weights and rtwi (relative tissue weight index). results: in the present study,the gross appearance and shape of liver showed significant changes like haemorrhages and nodular swelling on external surfaces of the liver of animals in experimental groups b and c. the body weight and liver weight of experimental groups b and c were increased as compared to control group a (p-value <0.001). when rtwi was compared among groups,the overall difference was significant (p-value <0.018). conclusion: it is concluded that there is a need to evaluate safer dose and duration of usage of garlic in general public due to its gross morphological effects on liver.