Comparative effects of garlic (Allium sativum) powder and atorvastatin in female reproductive system of hypercholesterolemic rats: A histological and biochemical evaluation

Abstract

Background and aims: The abnormal increase in blood cholesterol can cause many problems. Statins have a cholesterol-lowering effect, but they also have adverse effects. Garlic prevents the formation of cholesterol due to its antibiotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the comparative effect of garlic powder and atorvastatin on hypercholesterolemia-induced reproductive failure in female rats. Methods: In the present experimental study, 48 adult female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=6), including control, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/d; orally), atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/d; orally), garlic powder (100 mg/kg/d; orally), hypercholesterolemia (1.5 mg/kg/d of cholesterol; orally), hypercholesterolemia + atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/d), hypercholesterolemia + atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/d), and hypercholesterolemia + garlic powder. After 30 days, rats were euthanized and blood samples were obtained from their heart for serological assessments. The right ovary was transferred to 10% formalin for histological analyses, and the left ovary was transferred to a −80°C freezer for evaluation of oxidative stress markers. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test using SPSS version 24.0 (P<0.05). Results: The number of healthy primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles, catalase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) as well as estrogen and progesterone levels were lower in hypercholesterolemic rats compared to controls (P<0.001). Additionally, the number of the atretic primary, secondary, and antral follicles and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were higher in hypercholesterolemic rats (P<0.001). However, garlic powder and atorvastatin 10 improved alterations in the mentioned parameters (P=0.99). Conclusion: The results showed that hypercholesterolemia could have adverse effects on rat ovaries. However, the garlic powder improves ovarian toxicity in hypercholesterolemia rats better than atorvastatin.

Therapeutic effects of garlic (Allium sativum) on female reproductive system: A systematic review

“…They were also reflected in the number of Leydig cells and serum concentrations of testosterone and estrogen. 2014 Jafari et al [ 47 ] Comparative effects of garlic ( Allium sativum ) powder and atorvastatin in female reproductive system of hypercholesterolemic rats: A histological and biochemical evaluation Animal experimental study Investigating the comparative effect of garlic powder and atorvastatin on reproductive failure caused by hypercholesterolemia in female rats. 48 adult female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n = 6) including control, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg per day; oral), atorvastatin (20 mg/kg per day; oral), garlic.…”

Preventive effects of <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i> and <i>Allium sativum</i> against Triton induced hyperlipidaemia in rabbits

“…Garlic has shown evidence of a significant role in improvement of the lipid profile. It is reported to have similar effects as atorvastatin on protection against lipemic-oxidative disorder in hypercholesterolaemic rats [15]. A. sativum extracted oil, its raw buds, dried powder and aquous extracts are reported for a variety of applications [16,17].…”