Aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract ameliorates cadmium chloride-induced alterations in blood formation and spermatogenesis in albino rats

Purpose: To investigate the ameliorative effect of aqueous garlic extract (AGEx) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2-induced) alterations in the blood and testicles of rats. Methods: A total of 24 male rats (160 - 200 g), randomly assigned into 4 groups (A - D; n = 6), were used to investigate the claimed protective effect of AGEx on blood and spermatogenic tissues following CdCl2-intoxication in albino rats. The rats in Group A served as controls and were given 5mg/mL of deionized water. Group B rats were given 300 mg/kg of AGEx. Group C rats were given 2 mg/kg of CdCl2. Rats in Group D first received 2 mg/kg of CdCl2, and 300 mg/kg of AGEx 2 h later. All treatments were administered every 48 h for a period of six weeks. Results: CdCl2 administration to group C rats reduced haematocrit value (PCV), concentration of haemoglobin (Hb), red cell count (RBC), total leucocytes count (tWBC), eosinophil, neutrophil, testicular weight and sperm reserve (p < 0.05), but elevated lymphocytes count compared with control (p < 0.05). AGEx 300 mg/kg in group D rats significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the altered parameters compared with control. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that administration of aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract to male rats enhances spermatogenesis, and ameliorates testicular and haematological alterations induced by cadmium poisoning. Therefore, the spermatogenic principle in AGEx is a potential candidate for the clinical management of male infertility