Effect of Allium sativum on epididymal spermatozoa, estradiol-treated mice and general toxicity.

A water extract of Allium sativum (garlic) was given to male and female mice in drinking water (100 mg/kg/day) for three months. There was a significant increase in the weight of seminal vesicles and epididymides of male animals as compared to controls and the sperm count was significantly elevated. There was no increase in the body weight of the test animals, and weights of heart, liver and spleen were reduced as compared to controls. Haematological studies revealed an increase in WBC and a decrease in RBC levels of the test animals. Three-day intraperitonial treatment (500 mg/kg) with the A. sativum extract failed to exhibit any estrogenic or antiestrogenic activity