The Effect of Garlic Oil (Allium Sativum) on Dmba Induced Salivary Gland Tumorigenesis in Rat

The chemoprotective effect of garlic oil on 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) induced carcinogenesis in sub-maxillary salivary glands of male wistar rats was studied. Animals were equally divided into five experimental groups: Group A: Given garlic oil intra peritoneally daily for three weeks prior to DMBA implantation. Group B: Given garlic oil intra peritoneally daily for four weeks after DMBA implantation. Group C: Given DMBA only. Group D: Given daily dose of garlic oil only. Group E: Normal control receiving chow diet only. The histological parameters in sub-maxillary salivary glands and serum beta carotene levels were analyzed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after DMBA implantation. The histological studies revealed that there was delayed onset and decreased severity of carcinogenesis in Group A, compared to Group B or Group C which showed early onset and extensive carcinogenesis. The serum beta-carotene levels in Group A and B were significantly higher compared to Groups C and E at all levels. Interestingly, Group D had the highest serum betacarotene level, and Group A and Group B had significantly lower serum beta-carotene compared to Group D. The Group A animals had even significantly lower serum beta-carotene levels compared to Group B.
These results indicate that garlic oil may have an adjuvant effect on various defense mechanisms of the host against DMBA-induced carcinogenesis in sub-maxillary salivary glands of rat through increased availability and utilization of beta-carotene. There is evidence that beta-carotene can indeed function as a non-conventional anti-oxidant at low oxygen pressures and thus render protection against cancer by preventing lipid peroxidation in vivo.