Objective: 

The effect of garlic preparations on blood pressure (BP) regulation is highly controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) and its major component, S-allylcysteine (SAC), on BP and baroreflex sensitivity in two kidneys, one clip hypertensive rats.

Methods: 

Left unilateral renal artery constriction or sham operation was performed on rats. Two weeks after clipping or sham operation, AGE (4 mL/kg/d) or SAC (150 mg/kg/d) was given orally to two different groups of clipped rats for 7 days. Sham-operated and clipped control groups were treated with distilled water for the same period. Then, the rats were instrumented with catheters to record BP via femoral artery. The next day, control BP and heart rate were measured and then, to determine the acute effect, an additional AGE, SAC or distilled water was administered to the animals. Ninety minutes later, BP was recorded to calculate MAP and, to determine baroreflex sensitivity by sequence method.

Results: 

Renal clipping increased MAP and heart rate and, decreased baroreflex sensitivity (1.45 beats/mmHg vs 2.25; p<0.05). Neither a one day after treatment with AGE or SAC for 7 days nor 90 minutes after an additional AGE of SAC treatment, the MAP and baroreflex sensitivity in clipped rats changed, significantly.

Conclusions: 

We conclude that AGE and SAC did not decrease BP in two kidney one clip hypertensive rats unlike reduced renal mass-saline and spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, these garlic preparations did not improve the baroreflex sensitivity in this hypertension model.