Histological Effects of Aqueous Allium sativum Bulb Extract on Monosodium Glutamate-induced Hepatotoxicity in Guinea Pigs

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is among the most common food additives in the developing world and is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. It contains glutamic acid, one of the naturally occurring amino acids that the body transforms into glutamate. Allium sativum (Garlic) has tremendous pharmacological effects due to its biologically active constituents, which are vital in nutraceutical applications. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aqueous Allium sativum bulb extract on MSG-induced hepatotoxicity in Guinea pigs. Five groups (N = 5) were named and treated as follows; Group A (control) received normal saline. Group B received MSG (150 mg/kg body weight). Groups C, D, and E received 150 mg/kg of MSG with 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg of aqueous Allium sativum extract respectively. The administration lasted for 21 days. Animals were sacrificed humanely; tissue samples were collected, and fixed in 10% formal saline for histological studies. Histological findings revealed changes in form of dilatation of the central vein, which contained lysed RBC, edematous of liver parenchyma, and atrophic and degenerative changes on the hepatic tissues of Guinea pigs administered with MSG. However, co-administration with various doses of Allium sativum produced a positive effect on evading the harmful effects of MSG in hepatic tissue. In conclusion, this study showed that excessive MSG intake may have some harmful effects on the liver and by extension could affect its functions. Moreover, supplementations with Allium sativum reduced MSG toxicity and restore the pathological changes of the hepatic tissue.

Key Words: Monosodium glutamate, Allium sativum, hepatotoxicity, Guinea pigs, glutamic acid.