Restorative Effects of Aloe Vera Gel on Alcohol Induced Hepato-Nephrocellular Dysfunction

Abstract

Abstract Excessive alcohol intake is associated with pathological conditions that are detrimental. Aloe vera is a plant that possesses antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties. This study investigated the effects of Aloe vera gel on alcohol induced hepato-nephrocellular dysfunction in rats using the specific activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as concentration of some electrolytes as indices. Six groups of male albino rats containing 5 rats each were used in the experiments. Groups A and B were administered distilled water and 50 % (v/v) alcohol for 21 days respectively. Groups C and D were administered 50 % (v/v) alcohol, while groups E and F were administered distilled water for the first 14 days, followed by co-administration (without stopping alcohol or distilled water administrations) of 125 mg and 250 mg.kg–1 body weight Aloe vera gel respectively for 7 days. The administration of Aloe vera gel extract significantly modulated serum electrolytes imbalances with concomitant lowering of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH and GST rates when compared to group B. These results suggested the restoration of alcohol induced dys-function by Aloe vera gel.