Aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) administration alleviates high salt diet-induced changes in the aorta of adult Wistar rats: a morphological and morphometric study

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the morphometric and histological changes of the wall of the thoracic aorta in high salt-fed adult Wistar rats and the possible ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum). Methods: Twenty-five healthy female Wistar rats weighing 130–180 g were randomly assigned into five groups of five rats each (Groups A, B, C, D and E). Rats in Group A were fed with standard laboratory pellets, while Groups B, C, D and E were fed on the high-salt diet for five weeks. Thereafter, daily administration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of the garlic extract were giving orally to Groups C, D and E, respectively for 3 weeks while rats in Groups A and B were administered distilled water. The thoracic part of descending aorta at the level of (T6–T7) was excised for histological studies. Paraffin sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome and Verhoeff-Van Gieson stains. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze data, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test for multiple comparisons. Results: High salt diet causes significant histomorphological changes on aorta of rats as evidenced by increase in tunica intima, media and adventitia of the aortic wall and decrease in luminal diameter; these findings were reversed by aqueous garlic extract administration. Conclusion: High salt diet increased the thickness of aortic wall and decreased luminal diameter which were significantly reversed by oral administration of garlic extract. Keywords: aorta; garlic; heart; high salt-fed