Effects of Freeze-Dried Garlic Powder on Lipid Improvement in Rats Fed a High Fat-Cholesterol Diet

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of freeze-dried garlic powder (FDGP) on the lipid metabolism in rats fed a high fat-cholesterol (HFC) diet for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia. The rats were divided into the following four experimental groups: normal diet group (NC), HFC diet group (HFC), HFC+FDGP 5 mg/100 g body weight (BW) group (FGT-1), and HFC+FDGP 15 mg/100 g BW group (FGT-2). Body weight gains and food efficiency ratios were significantly lower in the FGT groups compared to the HFC group, and the food intake was not significantly different in all experimental groups. Serum total lipid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the FGT groups compared to the HFC group. Total lipid content of the FGT-2 group was reduced by about 9% and 12% compared to the FGT-1 group and HFC group, respectively. The FGT groups also showed about 10% reductions low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, atherogenic index (AI), and cardiac risk factor (CRF) compared to the HFC group. Liver function index (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) and lipid components were significantly lower in the FGT groups compared to the HFC group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content of serum and liver tissue was reduced in the FGT groups compared to the HFC group, and was lower in the FGT-2 group compared to the FGT-1 group in serum. Antioxidant activities in serum and liver tissue were in the order of FGT-2 greater than FGT-1 greater than HFC group, significantly. In conclusion, FDGP effectively reduced the lipid components of serum and liver tissue. Feeding FDGP did not increase high density lipoproteincholesterol, but reduced LDL-cholesterol content, AI and CRF, especially. This shows that FDGP, will be effective in preventing and improving cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis and hyperlipidemia.