Comparative Therapeutic Effects of Lipid-Enriched and Ethanolic Garlic Extracts on DMBA-Induced Hepatic...

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains bioactive components with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory constituents with potential anticancer activity. We aimed to compare a petroleum-ether garlic extract (PEGE) versus an ethanolic garlic extract (EGE) in a DMBA-induced murine hepatic carcinogenesis model. Fresh garlic was extracted with petroleum ether or ethanol and chemically characterized by GC-MS. PEGE was enriched in long-chain fatty acids/derivatives, while EGE contained both lipids and more polar constituents. Male Swiss albino mice received DMBA and were assigned to concurrent (DMBA + extract) or post-DMBA (DMBA → extract) regimens; extract-only and vehicle groups served as toxicity controls. Biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, AFP), oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH), inflammatory signaling (NF-κB by ELISA), apoptosis (caspase-3 gene expression by qPCR), proliferation (PCNA by flow cytometry), and histopathological changes (H&E staining) were evaluated. Extract-only showed no significant differences compared to control groups, indicating no overt toxicity. DMBA administration resulted in significant hepatic injury, evidenced by elevated liver enzymes and AFP, increased lipid peroxidation and NF-κB levels, depleted GSH, enhanced cellular proliferation, and severe histopathological alterations. Across endpoints, the post-DMBA PEGE regimen produced the largest overall normalization, followed by EGE. Post-treatment outperforming concurrent dosing for both extracts. Histology aligned the biochemical trends, showing reduced necrosis, inflammation, vascular congestion, and dysplastic changes in treated groups. Both garlic extracts showed hepatoprotective effects in this preclinical model; they were well tolerated and mitigated DMBA-induced injury, with PEGE given after DMBA yielding the strongest biochemical, molecular, and histopathological improvements. Chemical differences between the lipid-rich PEGE and the more polar EGE likely contribute to their differential efficacy and merit further standardization and mechanistic study.