Effect of <i>Aloe barbadensis</i> root extract on the histology of some vital organs of male rats assessed for aphrodisiac activity

Abstract

Histopathology is an essential tool in assessing the untoward effect of toxicants, synthetic drugs, and herbal medicines in toxicological animal studies. Therefore, the effect of the oral administration of graded doses of the ethanol extract of A. barbadensis root on the histology and organ-body weight ratios of some vital rat organs was evaluated. Seventy-five (75) healthy and matured male rats of 140-270 g body weights were used for this study. The rats were randomized entirely into five groups of 15 and orally given treatment using the orogastric tube. The animals were placed into Groups A, B, C, D, and E. Group A was administered the diluent (2 mL of distilled water) while groups B, C and D were given 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract for 14 days. Group E was given the standard drug-Sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg). The vital organs (liver, kidney, heart, and spleen) were harvested, prepared, and stained after sacrificing the animals. The tissue sections were subjected to histopathological studies, and the photomicrographs of the tissues were captured appropriately. The organ-body weights were determined using an electronic weighing balance. The histopathological examination revealed no apparent abnormalities in the vital organs; instead, a vasoactive effect of active congestion was observed. The liver and spleen's histology showed a mild activation of the local immune system. The extract had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the organ-body weight ratios. The study showed that the extract had no untoward effect on the selected essential organs within the dose range explored.