journal of kerbala university

In vivo experiments were designed to investigate the role of garlic (Allium sativum) in the inhibition of genotoxic effect of methotrexate (MTX) in albino mice (Mus musculus).The genotoxic effects of MTX at a dose of 4 mg/ kg B. wt. on somatic cells (bone marrow) and germ cells of male mice were analyzed cytogenetically by determining the mitotic index of somatic and germ cells and chromosomal aberration in somatic cells.The potential genotoxic and mutagenic activity of garlic extracts (cold aqueous, boiled aqueous, alcoholic) at doses (50,100,250) mg kg B. wt. were investigated by using the above mentioned parameters. The antigenotoxic activity of garlic extracts against MTX effects for 7 days before and after exposure to MTX was tested. The results revealed the absence of toxicity and mutagenicity for all garlic extracts at tested doses, the high inhibitory effects of MTX for cell division in addition to induction of chromosomal aberration, the inhibitory efficiency of all garlic extracts against the toxicity and mutagenicity of MTX, the high inhibitory efficiency of cold and boiled aqueous and alcoholic extracts against the toxicity and mutagenicity of MTX and the best inhibitory efficiency of all garlic extracts occurred when the extracts were used before the MTX in comparison with their effects when used after the MTX.