EFFECTS OF GARLIC OIL ON BODY-FLUID ACIDITY AND ELECTROLYTES IN EXPERIMENTAL DIABETIC RATS

We have studied the effect of 50 mg/kg body weight of garlic oil suppl ement in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus over a per iod of 28 days. Body fluid activity (pH) and electrolytes were investi gated and compared with values for normal rats, normal rats on garlic oil and diabetic control rats. Garlic oil supplement significantly low ered blood and urine glucose (P < 0.001) levels as compared with those in normal and diabetic rats. This resulted in significant increases i n sodium (P < 0.001), potassium (P < 0.02) and bicarbonate (P < 0.001) retention and also a significant decrease in chloride (P < 0.002) lev el. Garlic oil also raised the serum pH (P < 0.02) of diabetic rats as compared with diabetic control rats. This suggests that garlic oil ma y be useful for glycaemic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetes m ellitus and that the active principle of the oil extract interacts wit h tissue components to prevent diabetic complications of a hyperosmola r nonketotic type. Med Sci Res 26:487-488 (C) 1998 Lippincott-Raven Pu blishers.