The inclusion of garlic and turmeric powder in high-fructose diets protects against the development of metabolic syndrome in Wistar rats

Abstract

The worldwide prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is largely attributable to excessive consumption of high-energy food sweeteners and lifestyle practices that encourage physical inactivity. This study was designed to evaluate the potential benefits of garlic and/or turmeric in down-regulating the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups of 3 rats per group. Group 1 received standard rat chow, Group 2 received a high-fructose diet only, while Group 3 received a 2% turmeric-supplemented high-fructose diet. Groups 4 and 5 were fed a standard diet supplemented with 2% each of garlic and turmeric:garlic (50% w/w), respectively. Groups 6, 7, and 8 were respectively fed a high-fructose diet supplemented with 2% garlic, a standard diet supplemented with 2% turmeric, and a high-fructose diet supplemented with 2% turmeric:garlic (50% w/w). Feed intake and changes in body weight were monitored weekly and after 56 days, the rats were sacrificed. Activities of serum antioxidant enzymes, lipid profile, and atherogenic indices were determined. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was computed from the measured blood glucose and insulin levels. The positive control (Group 2) gained weight significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with groups that received diet supplementation. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and atherogenic indices of diet-supplemented groups were significantly low (p < 0.05) when compared with the positive control. Interestingly, while no differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities in the high-fat diet group supplemented with 2% mixed turmeric:garlic when compared with the normal control, activities of these enzymes in the garlic and/or turmeric supplemented high-fructose diet groups were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) when compared with the positive control. The HOMA-IR and atherogenic indices results revealed the inclusion of turmeric and garlic in a high-fat diet had anti-dyslipidemic effects, decreased oxidative stress, and reduced coronary risk factors. Our findings strongly suggest supplementation of high-calorie diets with garlic and/or turmeric powder has potential long-term health benefits in individuals exposed to the risks of developing metabolic syndrome.