The protective effects of garlic (<i>Allium sativum var. Solo Garlic</i>) extract mitigates piroxicam-induced liver damage and oxidative stress in rats.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Piroxicam, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, is commonly used to induce inflammation in experimental models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Piroxicam can modulate the immune system and disrupt the mucosal barrier, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species.<h4>Aim</h4>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of single-clove garlic (<i>Allium sativum var. solo garlic</i>) extract (SGE) on liver histopathological findings, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in white rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>) Wistar strain induced with piroxicam.<h4>Methods</h4>The study used a completely randomized design with 30 male Wistar rats aged 2 months and weighing 150-200 g. The rats were divided into five groups: negative control (C), receiving CMC-Na 0,5% only; positive control (T0), receiving 20 mg/kgBW piroxicam; and three treatment groups, receiving 20 mg/kgBW piroxicam combined with 75 mg/kgBW (T1), 100 mg/kgBW (T2), or 125 mg/kgBW (T3) of SGE. Piroxicam was administered orally to induce inflammation, followed by SGE treatment for 14 days. Liver histopathological images were measured for damage repair using the scoring method. Superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods.<h4>Results</h4>The results showed a significant increase in SOD levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the treatment groups compared with the T0 (20 mg/kgBW piroxicam), with the T3 (125 mg/kgBW piroxicam) showing the most significant effect. Additionally, MDA levels were significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in all treatment groups, indicating a reduction in oxidative damage. Statistical analysis revealed a dose-dependent relationship between garlic extract administration and improvement in liver histopathological findings and oxidative stress markers.<h4>Conclusion</h4>SGE is a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress in a piroxicam-induced IBD model and contributes to good health. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and to optimize the therapeutic potential of IBD.