Abstract

Onaolapo AY and Onaolapo OJ

The effects of over-the-counter garlic oil capsules and vitamin E on the liver following paracetamol (APAP) overdose was studied. This was with a view to comparing the possible hepatoprotective effects of vitamin E and garlic oil. Thirty adult Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly divided into five groups of 6 rats each. Garlic oil (3 mg/kg) or vitamin E (200 mg/kg) was administered concurrently with a daily oral dose of 500 mg/kg of APAP. Serum levels of Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured on the 15th day following which animals were sacrificed; liver sections were processed for histological study. Statistical analysis was carried out using a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a post-hoc test; results were expressed as mean ±S.E.M. The results showed significant weight reduction and elevation of liver enzymes and extensive liver cell injury in animals in the paracetamol control (group B) with significant improvement seen in the groups that received either garlic oil or vitamin E although there was no significant difference in the effects of vitamin E over garlic oil. The study concluded that both vitamin E and garlic oil are hepatoprotective in paracetamol induced liver injury with neither showing any advantage over the other.