Author/Authors :
Tende، J A نويسنده Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. , , Adelaiye، A B نويسنده Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria , , Mohammed، A نويسنده Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria , , Lawan، A نويسنده Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria , , Eze، E D نويسنده Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria ,
Abstract :
Garlic and ginger have attracted particular attention of modern medicine because of their wide spread use around the world and the cherished belief that they help to maintain good health by warding off illness and providing more vigor. The study investigated the cardio-protective activity of Ginger (Zingiber officiale) and Garlic (Allium sativum) extracts in laboratory animals. Animals of both sexes were assigned into different groups as follows: Group 1: Served as control and were administered with 1ml of distilled water, Group 2: Received 20mg/kg b w of garlic, Group 3: Received 40mg/kg b w of garlic, Group 4: Received 20mg/kg b w of ginger, Group 5: Received 40mg/kg b w of ginger, Group 6: Received garlic 10mg and ginger 10mg/kg b w Group 7: Received garlic 20mg and ginger 20mg/kg b w. All administration was given orally for duration of four (4) weeks. Animals were euthanized after the last day of treatment, blood samples were collected and serum separated for lipid profile assay. The results obtained in the study showed a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein levels at all single and combined doses of the extract administered to the animals when compared to the control group. However, the extract at single and combined doses significantly elevated (p < 0.05) serum high density lipoprotein level in the treated animals when compared to the control group. The administration of the extract especially at the combined doses produced a reduction (p < 0.05) on the rate as well as the force of contraction when compared with the baseline control level. The interaction between the extract and the standard drug (adrenaline) revealed that the extract completely blocked the action of adrenaline when co-administered, hence reducing both the rate and force of contraction. In conclusion, the findings in this study suggest that the extracts as well as their combination improved lipid profile in the animals and the cardio-protective effect of garlic and ginger was linked to the decrease on the rate and force of contraction of isolated perfuse heart studied.
