Evaluation of the toxicity potential of Aloe vera (Aloe vera barbadensis) consumption on the liver and the kidney

Abstract

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is orally ingested by many, because of its medicinal benefit in skin treatments, digestive system disorders and improvement of blood sugar among others.Although, Aloe vera has been reported to have different protective effects, no study has investigated its toxicity on the Liver and kidneys at varying concentrations.Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the toxicity potential of Aloe vera on the liver and kidney.Twenty (20) adult albino rats, weighing (151±10 g), were randomly grouped into four groups; A, B, C and D. Group A rats were used as normal controls and received no administration.Group B received a high dose (6 mL /kg) of Aloe vera juice (AVJ).Group C received a medium dose of AVJ (4.5 mL/kg), and group D received a low dose of AVJ (3.0 mL/kg), daily for 21 days.The liver was assessed by estimating serum total bilirubin and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) levels.Nephrotoxicity was assessed by measuring Serum creatinine, urea, Na + and K + .Administration of a high dose AVJ resulted in significantly elevated levels of the liver biochemical parameters and a significant increase in the concentration of BUN, Creatinine, K + and reduction in Na + levels.At a medium dose, there were non-significant alterations in the biochemical parameters of the liver and the kidney.At a low dose, there were only slight changes in these biochemical markers.Histopathological studies were in tandem with the biochemical observations.This study reveals that Aloe vera gel possesses a dose-dependent hepatorenal toxicity.