Allium sativum and Curcuma longa Powder Protect Against Hepatotoxic and Nephrotoxic Effects of High-fructose Diet

Abstract

The world is facing a rising prevalence of metabolic perturbations that cause damages to the vital organs of the body due to overconsumption of diets sweetened with fructose. We included Allium sativum and/or Curcuma longa in high-fructose diets to assess their potentials in preventing hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of high-fructose diets. Twenty-four male Wistar rats weighing 120 ±5.2 g were divided into eight (8) groups of three (3) rats. Normal control (C) was fed normal diet while positive control (F) was fed high-fructose diet. Groups CT, CGa and CMix were respectively fed 2% turmeric, garlic and equal mixture of turmeric and garlic supplements in normal diets. Groups FT, FGa and FMix were respectively fed 2% turmeric, garlic and equal mixture of turmeric and garlic supplements in high-fructose diets. After eight (8) weeks of feeding trials, liver and kidney function tests were performed. The groups maintained on F and CT had significantly (p<0.05) higher serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP but lower total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, and albumin to globulin ratio compared with the group fed the normal diet. Variations in serum electrolytes were not significant (p>0.05). Compared with the normal control, the groups maintained on turmeric supplemented normal diet and high-fructose diets had significantly higher serum concentrations of urea, uric acid and creatinine. In conclusion, supplementation of high-fructose diet with turmeric and/or garlic could prevent hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. However, long term consumption of normal diets supplemented with turmeric may cause harm to liver and kidney.