Allicin concentration in the gut of rats and its influence on the microflora.

When garlic extract containing 8 p..M of allicin was
administered intragastrically to albino rats, a maximum
of 0.4 ,....M In the intestine and 2.4 p.. M in caecum
was detected aft« a period of 4 and 6 hr respectively.
About 50 to 60% reduction in microltora was
observed in intestine after 4 hr of administl1ltion, but
no such change was observed in caecum even after
6 hr. However, a 5 fold decrease In mlcroftora was
seen in caecum only at the end of 8 hr. The gradual
decrease in allicin ronlent While passing through the
gut is perhaps due to reducing agents in tbe gut,
natuml instability of allicin, antagoni~-m by food
materials and absorption in the intestine. Genemlly,
tbe aerobes were more susceptible to allicin coocentration
In the gut than the anaerobes.