EFFECT OF CRUDE EXTRACT OF ALLIUM SATIVUM ON THE LIVER OF ADULT FEMALE ALBINO RAT FOLLOWING FORMALIN INHALATION TOXICITY

ABSTRACT This work is designed to investigate the effect of crude extract of Allium sativum on the Liver of adult female albino rat following formalin inhalation toxicity. A total of twenty-five (25) Wistar rats were randomly grouped into: Group 1: Normal control animals fed with standard rat pellets and tap water, Group II: Formalin only (FO), Group III: Formalin and Garlic (FG) and Group IV: Garlic only (GO). Formalin toxicity was induced through inhalation over nine days, while garlic extract was orally administered at 17ml/kg bwt. The experiment lasted for 14 days. Observations were noted and at the end of experimental period the rats were sacrificed and liver tissues were harvested for histological examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. During experimental observation the rat group of formalin-only exhibited signs of systemic stress, weight loss, and yellowish discoloration of the fur. The result of the histological analysis shows normal liver architecture with well arranged hepatocytes in the normal control group, while formalin group exhibited focal area of fibrosis, an indication of abnormal accumulation of collagen fibers and scarring hepatocytes. However, the administration of garlic restored the liver architecture to normal, suggesting garlic’s pharmacological potency against chemical toxicity. These findings suggest that garlic extract may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing or treating liver damage caused by formalin exposure. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) in prolonged formalin induced toxicity.