Protective and Ameliorative Effects of Aloe vera Gel on Cisplatin Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: Cisplatin (Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II, CP) is an important chemotherapeutic agent, useful in the treatment of cancer, but with several side effects such as nephrotoxicity.Objective: The present study investigated the effect of Aloe vera gel (AVG) and selenium on Cisplatin induced oxidative stress on the kidneys and livers of male and female Wistar albino rats.Methods: Male and female Wistar albino rats were injected with a single dose of cisplatin (7mg CP/kg b.m., i.p.), selenium (6mg Se/kg b.m, as Na2SeO3 , i.p.) and Aloe vera (6mg Se/kg b.m), alone or in combination.Results: The result showed that CP increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were significantly higher in male wistar albino rats than in female wistar albino rats when treated with Aloe vera, suggesting male wistar albino rats were more susceptible to CP- induced oxidative stress than female wistar albino rats; Aloe vera served as a potent antilipidemic source and boosted immunity; reversed CPinduced kidney and liver damage in both male and female rats. Pre-treatment with selenium and Aloe vera limited CPinduced alterations of antioxidant enzyme activities and significantly prevented CP-induced kidney and liver damage. The levels of pretreated groups had a lower activity of these enzymes with the Aloe vera group having the lowest activities of these enzymes. Histological studies on the kidneys and livers of male and female Wistar albino rats showed significant damage.Conclusion: The nutritional Aloe vera possessed antioxidant components which prevented and ameliorated oxidative stress and loss of cellular antioxidants induced by Cisplatin in rats.Keywords: Cisplatin; selenium; nephrotoxicity; lipid peroxidation; antioxidant defense system, ra

Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of aloe vera gel on alloxan- induced diabetic rats

Background: Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract is commonly used as a home remedy for some diseases, including diabetes mellitus.Objectives: This study is to determine the effects of pure Aloe vera (Aloe babardensis) gel on some biochemical, haematological and histological parameters in diabetic rats.Methods: The rats were divided into six groups of six rats each. Diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (170 mg/kg b.w.) following a 12 h fasting period. The Groups I and V received isotonic saline in a similar manner. The establishment of diabetes mellitus was confirmed by fasting blood glucose (FBG) level above 350mg/dl using a GlucoMetre (AccuChek Active). The AVG extract was administered for 14 days along with the metformin and alloxan drugs administered. Blood samples were taken from fasted rats. The effects of AVG on fasting blood, biochemical, haematological and oxidative stress parameters in the liver and histological examination of the liver, kidney and pancreas were evaluated.Results: There was a decrease in blood glucose level in the AVG treated group and an improvement in the lipid profile, as well as some haematological parameters. In addition, oral administration of Aloe barbadensis gel decreased the level of MDA with a corresponding increase in the activities of CAT, SOD, GST and GSH levels in the liver tissue of diabetic rats.Conclusion: These results suggest potent hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and therapeutic effects of Aloe Vera, beneficial as a herbal remedy for the treatment/management of diabetes mellitus.Keywords: Diabetes, alloxan, Aloe babardensis gel; hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, ra