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Research Paper | Physiology Science | Nigeria | Volume 3 Issue 6, June 2014 | Rating: 7.1 / 10
Effect of Crude Aloe vera Gel on Serum Enzymes; Proteins and Liver Histology in Alloxan - Induced Diabetic Rats
Akpan [10] | U. P. [6] | Nna [793] | V. U. [6] | Ikpi [7] | D. E. [9] | Osim E. E. | Antai [9] | A. B. [33]
Abstract: Considering the wide use of Aloe vera gel in the management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) ; this study was designed to ascertain the effects of T1DM on serum enzymes and proteins; as well as the impact of treatment with Aloe vera gel on same. Forty male Wistar rats weighing 150 - 180 g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 10) ; namely; control group; test groups 1 (DM untreated) ; 2 (DM treated) and 3 (control treated). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 100 mg/kg alloxan. Freshly prepared Aloe vera gel was administered to test groups 2 and 3 at a dose of 0.4 ml/100g per oral route for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed; and serum enzymes and proteins were measured using standard methods. Liver histology was also prepared using standard methods. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentration was significantly higher (P<0.001) in test 1; 2 and 3; compared with control. It was also significantly (P<0.001) higher in test 3; compared with test 1 and 2. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were significantly reduced (P<0.001) in test 1; compared with control; while in test 3; ALT concentration was significantly increased (P<0.001) compared with control. Serum ALT and ALP concentrations were significantly increased (P<0.001) in test 2; compared with test 1. Serum total protein; albumin and globulin concentrations were significantly reduced (P<0.001) in test 1; 2 and 3; compared with control. Serum total protein concentration was significantly increased (P<0.001) in test 2 and 3; compared with test 1. Serum globulin concentration was significantly reduced (P<0.001) in test 2; compared with test 1. Liver histology was normal in control; test 2 and 3; compared with test 1 which showed grossly abnormal structures. The results obtained in this study revealed that Aloe vera gel mimics T1DM in increasing serum concentrations of liver enzymes; notably; AST and ALT; and reducing serum protein concentrations through a mechanism that may not be related to liver damage.
Keywords: Aloe vera, diabetes mellitus, liver, serum enzymes, serum proteins
Edition: Volume 3 Issue 6, June 2014,
Pages: 114 - 119