A double-blind, randomized control trial to investigate the therapeutic potential of garlic scapes for high apoprotein E levels in a high-Fat diet-induced hypercholesteremic rat model

Abstract

Hypercholesteremia is the main contributor to metabolic diseases, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which are the primary global sources of morbidity and death rates. Garlic scapes, a member of the Allium sativum family and a rich source of antioxidants, are utilized in various cuisine preparations due to their unique flavors and tastes. The current study examined garlic scape powder's effect on apoprotein E and its ability to decrease cholesterol. In an in vivo experiment, normal, healthy Wistar albino rats (weeks) were divided into a negative control group (NC, n = 10) and a high-fat diet-raised group (n = 50) until they achieved cholesterol ≥250 mg/dL. Hypercholesteremic rats were further divided randomly into five groups: positive control (PC), standard group (fenofibrate 20 mg/kg bwt), and treatment groups G1, G2, and G3 that were administered with garlic scape powder 400 mg, 800 mg, and 1200 mg/kg bwt orally, respectively, for 3 months. The blood samples were examined for cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), low-density lipoproteins, apoprotein E, albumin levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The liver tissues of the rats were subjected to histopathology. The lipid profile was assessed using serum kit techniques, whereas an ELISA kit was used to evaluate apoprotein E, and a serum kit was used to estimate ALT and AST. In comparison to all other groups except NC, the highest dose of 1200 mg/kg bwt of garlic scapes significantly (p ≤ .05) increased serum insulin (13.66 ± 0.72 μU/mL), apoprotein E levels (6.08 ± 0.10 mg/dL), HDL (42.1 ± 1.81 mg/dL), and reduce TG (88.7 ± 1.64 mg/dL) and decreased overall cholesterol levels (67.9 ± 1.17 mg/dL). Except for NC, all treatment groups had significantly (p ≤ .05) lower ALT and AST values than PC. To sum up, powdered garlic scapes may be a great way to avoid hyperlipidemia, which raises the risk of cardiovascular illnesses. ALT and AST levels were significantly (p ≤ .05) reduced in all treatment groups compared to PC, except for NC. In conclusion, garlic scape powder may be an excellent source to prevent hyperlipidemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In addition, powdered garlic scapes supplementation at high doses may be used as an alternative natural source in functional foods to halt hyperlipidemia without liver toxicity in the long term.