Ethanolic Clove Extract of Allium Sativum (Garlic) Caused Increased Fragility of Erythrocytes in E Coli Induced Sepsis of Wistar Rat
Authors: Collins Onwuka kelechi , uchenna Azunna , Nnadozie Ezejindu Cosmas , Eberechukwu Mbanaso Lolly 
Published: December 2024

Background: Sepsis is a major concern in intensive care Unit and its epidemiology is increasing over the years. One of the causes of sepsis include the gram negative Escherichia coli. Over the years, spices have shown to combat microbial infection., though the studies have shown that they also present certain adverse effect in the body systems. Allium sativum is one of such spices that has been of interest of study.

Objective of Study: The objective of this work is to determine the effect of ethanol extract of allium sativum on hematological parameters and osmotic fragility of red blood cells of Wistar rats during E. coli induced sepsis.

Methodology: Thirty (30) rats were used in this study. The rats were grouped into 5 groups (n=6) and were all allowed free access to food and water. Except for groups 1, the normal control group, all groups were induced with sepsis by intraperitoneal injection of E coli isolates. Successful induction was confirmed after 5 day as local signs of inflammation and sepsis such as fever and weight loss, indicative of sepsis, manifested. All groups, except group 1 and group 2, the negative control group, were treated for 14 days. Group 3, the positive control group, was treated with 400mg/kg/day of hydrochloride ciprofloxacin. Groups 4 and 5, the low and high dose groups, were treated with 200mg of extract/kg/day and 400mg of extract/kg/day respectively. After 14 days, the animals were euthanized by anaethesia using chloroform. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture and EDTA bottles. The hematological parameters were measured using automated hematological analyzer. RBC osmotic fragility test, using varying dilutions of NaCl solution and spectrophotometer was carried out. Statistical analysis of the data was done and the differences between the means of control and experiment groups were determined using ANOVA. Values of P<0.05 and P<0.01 were considered significant.

Results: Ethanol extract of garlic caused an increase in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration when compared to group 2 and standard drug. It only increased packed cell volume in comparison to sepsis non-treated group, Group 2. Garlic also increased osmotic fragility of RBCs. It made the RBCs more susceptible to osmotic fragility, showing impairment of membrane stability. This increased osmotic fragility by garlic could led to or even worsen hemolytic anemia. Decreases in total white blood cells and neutrophils were noted when compared to group 2. Garlic increased monocyte counts when compared with standard drug. Garlic suppressed lymphocyte count when compared to the standard drug, indicating its advantage against the immunological effect of the drug use. Garlic also increased the platelet count when compared to the negative control group but in comparison to the standard drug, the increased was significant at 200mg/kg/day treatment with garlic. Conclusion: Use of garlic to treat infection should not be encouraged unless with hematinics.