Effects of Aloe vera (Elsabar) Ethanolic Extract On Blood Glucose Level in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera ethanolic extract in an induced hyperglycemic and normal rats. In the induced hyperglycemic experiment twenty rats were divided into 4 groups. They were fasted for 18 hours and then injected intraperitoneally with 2 mg/kg Body weight (Bwt) of 50% glucose solution. The first group served as a control, the second was administered orally with 10 ml/kgBwt glibenclamid (hypoglycemic drug) and the other two groups were given100 and 500 mg/kgBwt of Aloe vera extract. The plasma glucose level was determined after 1, 2 and 4 hours following glucose loading. In the normoglycemic experiment, fifteen rats were divided into three groups; one as control and the other two were given 100, 500 mg/kgBwt Aloe vera extract orally. The extract was given for 6 days. Clinical signs, body weight and plasma glucose level were recorded. The results in the hyperglycemic experiment revealed highly significant decrease (P< 0.01) in plasma glucose in the group received 500 mg/kgBwt of Aloe vera ethanolic extract. However, the reduction in plasma glucose level at a dose of 100 mg/kgBwt Aloe vera extract and glibenclamide was similar. In the normoglycemic rats administration of Aloe vera extract caused diarrhea and reduction in body weight but no changes in the relative liver weight. The plasma glucose level was not affected by administration of Aloe vera ethanolic extract. There were no pathological changes occurred in tissues except an increased number of goblet cells in the intestinal mucosa.