EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM) FRUIT ON RENAL FUNCTION

The present study investigated the effects of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum) on renal function by analyzing various biochemical markers, including urea, creatinine, and key electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions. The overall findings indicated that garlic extract, administered at both low and high doses, did not significantly alter the renal concentrations of urea, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions. However, a significant increase in creatinine and sodium levels was observed in the high-dose group, suggesting a potential dose-dependent response. The lack of significant changes in most renal function markers suggests that garlic extract does not substantially impact the renal excretion of urea or the overall balance of electrolytes, under the conditions tested. The slight increase in creatinine levels could suggest a mild impact on renal filtration, although the clinical relevance of this increase is uncertain. Similarly, the elevated sodium levels at higher doses may indicate an effect on sodium reabsorption or balance, potentially linked to garlic's diuretic properties. Comparing these findings with recent studies, there are both consistencies and discrepancies. A study by El-Demerdash et al. (2019) reported that garlic extract demonstrated nephroprotective effects by reducing serum creatinine and urea levels in an experimental model of renal injury, suggesting a protective role against nephrotoxicity. This is contrary to the current study, where no significant reduction in urea or creatinine was observed, although an increase in creatinine was noted. Furthermore, recent research by Abubakar et al. (2021) found that garlic supplementation did not significantly alter renal function markers in healthy individuals, which aligns with the present study's findings on urea and most electrolytes. However, the observed increase in sodium concentration parallels findings by Ogidi et al. (2022), who reported that garlic could influence sodium homeostasis, potentially through mechanisms involving aldosterone modulation or direct effects on renal tubules. The variability in findings across studies could be attributed to differences in garlic dosage, formulation (e.g., aqueous extract vs. oil), treatment duration, and study populations. Additionally, genetic factors and baseline health status may contribute to the differing responses to garlic supplementation.