Assessment of the effect of Aloe vera extracts on oxidative stress, serum electrolytes and renal function in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiology characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances in carbohydrates, fats, and protein metabolism, resulting from defects in insulin secretion action. The statistics of Nigerians living with DM is disturbing as the current prevalence among adults aged 20-69 years is reported to be 1.7 million. Morbidity and mortality of DM has attained public health significance. Multiple approach has been utilized in combating it, however, focused effort is geared towards using medicinal herbs for curing or management of this disease because they are less toxic and eco-friendly; and to this end Aloe vera ranks amongst the foremost.

Methodology: Twenty-five male wistar rats weighing 220-260g were randomly divided into five groups (n=5). Group A: Normal control rats, Group B: untreated diabetic rats. Group C: Diabetic rats +Aleovera rind extract (300mg/kg). Group D: Diabetic group treated with 300mg/kg Aloe vera Gel. Group E: Diabetic rats + Aloe vera rind + gel extract (150mg/kg +150mg/kg). Experimental diabetes was induced in the rats using Alloxan (150mg/kg) and animals showing fasting blood glucose level >200mg/dl were considered diabetic. The oral administration of Aloe vera extracts lasted for 14days.

Results: The results showed thatAloe vera gel extract appeared more potent in antioxidant effect by significantly increasing SOD levels (17. 94 ± 0.22 ) and significantly decreasing MDA levels (3.23 ± 0.12) when compared other Aloe vera treated groups and untreated group (9.87 ± 0.20 , 14.6 ± 0.53) (5.39 ± 0.19, 4.14 ± 0.26)respectively.Also, there was a significant decrease in K+ levels in Aloe vera rind treated group (4.19 ± 0.19) when compared with other groups (4.98 ± 1.4 , 4.77 ± 0.16 , 4.84±0.07, 4.68 ± 0.13).Urea and Creatinine levels in untreated diabetic rats significantly increased in the untreated group ( 7.74 ± 0.23, 84.2 ± 2.88)when compared to the normal group ( 4.7 ± 0.36, 65.4 ± 3.98)but showed no significant change upon treatment with Aloe vera extract.