Aqueous Extract of Aloe Vera Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage and Oxidative Stress in Balb/C Mice

Abstract

Purpose Exessive alcohol abuse is associated with physiological and pathological effects on the body. Aloe vera was selected because of its many beneficial qualities. Methods 25 mice were given the following treatment protocol: distilled water (normal control), 20% ethanol at 10ml/kg (negative control), 25mg/kg Aqueous extract of Aloe vera (AA) plus 20% ethanol, 50mg/kg AA plus 20% ethanol and 100mg/kg silymarin plus 20% ethanol (positive control) respectively daily for 18 days. After sacrifice, blood was collected for biochemical analysis. The liver was analysed histologically, histochemically and part was macerated to determine oxidative stress biomarkers. Results AA significantly decreased (P < .05) AST activity but it did not significantly decrease ALT activity.It significantly increased (P < .05) albumin levels. Pre-treatment with AA at 25mg/kg significantly elevated (P < .05) catalase and SOD activities. However, GSH activity was not significantly changed. AA was found to significantly reduce (P < .05) lipid peroxidation. AA significantly increased the number of hepatocytes at telophase stage relative to the ethanol-treated mice. Histological and histochemical analysis revealed normal hepatocytes with few vacuoles and fewer fat droplets in the liver parenchyma of AA treated mice compared to the ethanol group. Conclusion The results reveal that pretreatment with AA has hepatoprotective effects on ethanol-induced hepatic damage by reducing oxidative stress and preserving the histology of the hepatic tissue.