Garlic oil extract ameliorates the severity of copper deficiency.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine whether a reduction in hepatic lipogenesis would be beneficial in the amelioration of copper (Cu) deficiency when fructose is fed. Garlic was chosen as the agent for reducing hepatic lipogenesis. Forty-eight weanling rats were fed Cu-deficient or adequate diets containing fructose or starch with or without garlic for 5 weeks. Garlic ameliorated the signs associated with Cu deficiency, although hepatic lipogenesis was not affected. Administration of garlic reduced the activity of the lipogenic enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase only in Cu-adequate rats. Consumption of garlic resulted in increased epididymal fat pad and pancrease sizes, and higher hematocrits, insulin and thyroxine concentrations. Mechanisms other than lipogenesis that could be responsible for this phenomenon are discussed.