Ahmed Hs, Inam F, Toor Rs, Hashim R, Asia Nazeer A, Qureshi F.
Effect of Aqueous Garlic Extract on Monosodium Glutamate Induced Weight Loss in Wistar Rats.
Biomedica Jan ;35(4):214-7.

Background and Objectives: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as a taste enhancer and is a common ingredient of some foods as canned vegetables, soups, processed meat and traditional seasoning. Garlic, on the other hand, is known to have antibacterial and antiviral effects and has also been used for cancer prevention. The objective of current study is to observe the effect of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) in MSG induced toxic effects on the body weight of adult Wistar rats. Methods: The present study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy at University of Health Sciences, Lahore in 2016. A total of 24 adult male Wistar rats, 6-8 weeks old of 150-175 grams weight were taken and divided into four groups (6 rats in each). Group A served as a control and received 6 ml/kg of distilled water orally via gavage tube and intraperitoneally for 14 days; Group B was treated with MSG 4 gm/kg dissolved in 6 ml of distilled water administered intraperitoneally for 14 days; Group C was treated with AGE 200 mg/kg dissolved in 0.4 ml of distilled water orally by gavage tube for 14 days and Group D was given 4 gm/kg MSG dissolved in 6ml of distilled water, intraperitoneally first, followed by AGE 200 mg/kg dissolved in 0.4 ml of distilled water, orally, by gavage tube for a period of 14 days. All doses were given once a day. Results: At the end of study, the body weight of rats in MSG treated group was found to be decreased and was statistically significant (p < 0.003) and garlic did counter the effects of MSG though not significantly. Conclusion: Aqueous garlic extract improves the deleterious effects of MSG on the body weight of Wistar rats.

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