EXTRACT TO AMELIORATE

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cardiovascular disorder characterized by dyslipidemia and myocardial injury, and its risk may be increased in females using oral contraceptives (OCs) due to alterations in lipid metabolism and endothelial function. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been reported to possess cardioprotective properties, including lipid modulation and antioxidant effects. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of garlic (Allium sativum) extract in ameliorating biochemical markers of ischemic heart disease in female Wistar rats exposed to varying doses of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). A total of fifty-six adult female rats were randomly assigned into seven groups comprising a control group, COC-only group, COC plus graded doses of garlic extract groups, and a garlic-only group, and treatments were administered orally for four weeks. Serum lipid profile parameters; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined using enzymatic colorimetric methods, while cardiac troponin I levels were quantified using sandwich ELISA. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed by one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol levels were not significantly different across groups (Control: 3.75 ± 0.12 mmol/L; Group B: 3.68 ± 0.10 mmol/L; Group C: 3.72 ± 0.11 mmol/L; Group F: 3.80 ± 0.13 mmol/L). Triglyceride levels varied significantly (Control: 1.45 ± 0.05 mmol/L; Group B: 1.20 ± 0.04 mmol/L; Group C: 1.38 ± 0.06 mmol/L; Group F: 1.78 ± 0.07 mmol/L). HDL levels were significantly increased in lower-dose groups (Control: 0.98 ± 0.03 mmol/L; Group B: 1.25 ± 0.05 mmol/L; Group C: 1.22 ± 0.04 mmol/L), while LDL levels were significantly reduced in these groups (Control: 1.90 ± 0.06 mmol/L; Group B: 1.50 ± 0.05 mmol/L; Group C: 1.55 ± 0.07 mmol/L). Cardiac troponin I levels showed no statistically significant differences among groups(Control: 0.330 ± 0.012 ng/mL; Group B: 0.315 ± 0.010 ng/mL; Group C: 0.305 ± 0.009 ng/mL; Group F: 0.345 ± 0.013 ng/mL). Body weight remained stable across all groups, indicating good tolerability of treatments. Histological examination of the heart, liver, and kidney revealed normal tissue architecture in all examined groups, with no observable pathological lesions. In conclusion, garlic extract demonstrated a modest protective effect on lipid metabolism, particularly at lower COC doses, without evidence of organ toxicity, may have a potential supportive role in mitigating cardiovascular risk associated with oral contraceptive use.