Combination effect of voluntary exercise and garlic (Allium sativum) on oxidative stress biomarkers and lipid profile in healthy rats

Abstract

Background: We evaluated the combination effect of voluntary exercise and garlic on serum oxidative stress biomarkers and lipid profile in healthy rats. Methods: The rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7): Control, Garlic, Exercise, and Garlic + Exercise. Rats were fed with raw fresh garlic homogenate by oral gavage (250 mg/kg) or were subjected to voluntary exercise using stainless steel running wheels alone or together for 6 weeks. The samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Results: After 6 weeks, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels improved in both garlic and exercise group, compared with the control group. We also found that serum glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Total antioxidant (TAC) levels enhanced significantly following the above-mentioned interventions. Furthermore, simultaneous treatment of rats with garlic and voluntary exercise had an additive effect on these parameters. However, malondialdehyde (MDA) level was not significantly different from the control group during our protocol. Conclusion: The findings revealed that simultaneous treatment of rats with garlic and voluntary exercise improved antioxidant defense system and lipid profile in an additive manner in healthy rats.