The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of onion (Allium
cepa Unn) and garlic intake (allium sativum) on blood hematology, protein and lipid
profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A dose of 1 ml of onion or garlic juicesl100 g
body weight was orally administered daily to alloxan-diabetic rats for four weeks. The
present study showed 3-fold increase (p < 0.05) in the plasma glucose level of diabetic
rats. which received alloxan as a single dose of 120 mgl1lg body weight relative to the
mean value of control group. This elevated glucose level was restored to its normal
level after treatment with onion and/or garlic. Body weight was Significantly (p < 0.05)
decreased in diabetic rats. Relative weights of liver. lung, heart and kidney increased,
while spleen and testes decreased. Hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC),
packed cell volume (PCV) and total leukocyte count (TLC) were significantly (p < 0.05)
decreased in diabetic rats. The concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin (A) and
globulin were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in diabetic rats compared to the control
group. Furthermore, the levels of total lipids (TL), triglyceride (TG). cholesterol. low
density lipoprotein (LOL) and very low lipoprotein (VLOL) were significantly (p < 0.05)
increased in diabetic rats compared to the control group. whereas high density
lipoprotein (HOL) level was significantly (p <0.05) decreased. Treatment of diabetic
rats with repeated doses of onion and/or garlic could restore the changes of these
parameters to their normal levels. The present results showed that onion and/or garlic
exerted antihyperglycemic effects and consequently may alleviate the effects on
hematological parameters, protein and lipid profile caused by alloxan-induced
diabetes.