Histological effects aqueous extract of <i>Allium sativum</i> (Alliaceae) bulb on bone and spleen of adult wistar rats

Abstract

Allium sativum , commonly known as garlic is a member of the Alliaceae family and it is one of the earliest known medicinal plant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histological effects of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulb on selected organs (bone marrow and spleen) of the mononuclear phagocyte system using adult Wistar Rats. Twenty adult Wistar rats were grouped into four experimental groups: A, B, C and D. Rats in group A served as control and were administered distill water daily for period of five weeks. While groups B, C and D were administered aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulb orally at doses of 150, 300 and 600mg/kg body weight daily for a period of five weeks respectively. At the end of the experiment the animals were sacrificed, the spleen and bone marrow were harvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histological studies. Photomicrographs of processed slides were taken using light microscope. The result obtained in the various treatment groups revealed in a non-dose dependent fashion increase in cellularity and myeloid- erythoid cells in the bone marrow and mild lymphoid follicular activation accompanied by sinus histiocytosis in the spleen. In conclusion, administration of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulb showed enhanced immunostimulatory properties in the bone marrow and spleen of adult Wistar rats. Dietary supplement with Allium sativum can boost the immunity of Individuals living in communities with low socio-economic status who are prone to malnutrition and infections.

Keywords: histological, sinus histiocytosis, mononuclear phagocyte system, cellularity myeloid- erythoid cells