THE EFFECTS OF CRUDE EXTRACT ALLIUM SATIVUM ON THE CEREBELLUM OF ADULT FEMALE AND MALE ALBINO RATS FOLLOWING FORMALIN INHALATION TOXICITY

Abstract Formalin exposure has been associated with neurotoxic effects that may lead to structural and functional alterations in the brain, particularly within the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination, balance, and motor control. This study investigated the effects of crude extract of Allium sativum (garlic) on the cerebellum of adult male and female albino rats following formalin inhalation toxicity. Twenty-four adult albino rats of both sexes were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental groups were exposed to formalin inhalation and subsequently treated with varying doses of crude Allium sativum extract for a specified duration, while the control group received normal feed and water without formalin exposure. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed and cerebellar tissues were harvested for histological examination. Histopathological observations revealed that formalin inhalation caused degenerative changes in the cerebellar cortex, including distortion of Purkinje cells, cellular degeneration, and disrupted tissue architecture. However, treatment with crude Allium sativum extract demonstrated protective and restorative effects on the cerebellar tissues, with improvement in cellular organization and reduction in neurodegenerative changes. The findings suggest that Allium sativum possesses neuroprotective properties, likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents, which may help ameliorate formalin-induced cerebellar toxicity. This study therefore supports the potential therapeutic role of garlic extract in reducing neurotoxic damage caused by exposure to formalin. Keywords: Allium sativum, formalin toxicity, cerebellum, albino rats, neuroprotection, histology.