Effect of Aloe vera juice on the hepatotoxicity induced by isoniazid drug

Abstract

Aloe vera leaves were gently pressed and the juice obtained was collected in a sterile container. The yield was calculated based on weight of the extract compared to the weight of the leaves. Twenty (20) Wistar strain rats (average weight 120-150 g) were divided into four (4) groups containing five (5) rats in each group. Each group was fed on a different diet like the control rats were fed on commercial rat pellet; experimental rats fed orally with Aloe vera juice 1.0 ml/kg body weight and isoniazid drug (LD) 50ml/kg body weight. Blood samples from each group were taken after 30th day through cardiac puncture for estimation of liver function test. The extent of liver damage was assessed by quantitative estimation of serum alanine aminotransferase (serum ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (serum AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (serum ALP), serum acid phosphatase (serum ACP), total serum protein (albumin and globulin) and serum bilirubin. Our investigations showed that the level of bilirubin was found to be higher in aloe vera juice and isoniazid drug administered groups. The level of serum ALT was found to be highest in rat fed with isoniazid drug, whereas the level of serum AST was found lowest in rats administered with isoniazid drug. The levels of serum ALP and serum ACP were found higher in concentration in rats administered with isoniazid drug. While the level of total proteins (albumin and globulin) was found to be low in group administered with isoniazid drug. Histopathological assessment of liver revealed that the animal exposed to isoniazid drug alone showed multifocal mild degree periportal mononuclear cell infiltration. Histological lesions ranged from hepatocellar disintegration and vacuolation in the peri-central vein area to marked proliferation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.The remaining groups, however showed normal lobular pattern of liver.