Serum glucose and lipid levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats following oral administration of <I>Aloe Barbadensis</I> miller juice extract

Abstract

Effect of Aloe barbadensis Miller juice extract on serum glucose and lipids in alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 150mg/kg alloxan in 5% solution. Diabetes was confirmed 72 hours after alloxan injection, if fasting blood glucose (FBG) was equal to or greater than 10mmol/l. Twenty Albino rats (Rattus novergicus) were divided into four groups of five rats each. Two control groups of non-diabetic control and diabetic control, received tap water. The other two groups consisting of diabetic test groups A and B, received 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg respectively of the extracts daily for seven days. FBG was determined every 48hrs after the administration of the extract. Serum lipids were later determined, and the rats sacrificed 24hrs thereafter. Results showed gradual but significant reduction (P<0.05) in blood glucose levels in diabetic test groups A and B, and this returned to normal level on the 8^th day. The diabetic control rats remained hyperglycaemic throughout the experiment. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the rate of reduction of blood glucose between the two doses of the extracts. There were significant reductions (P<0.05) in serum LDL-cholesterol and Total cholesterol in diabetic control and diabetic test groups A and B, but no significant changes (P>0.05) in HDL-cholesterol and Triglyceride levels in all the groups. The results showed that oral administration of Aloe barbadensis Miller juice extract to alloxanised diabetic rats has potent glucose lowering but no lipid lowering properties. The reduction in LDL-cholesterol and Total cholesterol may be ascribed to selective alloxan effect since diabetic control group which did not receive the extract also showed reduction. The mechanism of action of the extract will need further elucidation.

Keywords: serum glucose and lipid levels, alloxanised diabetic rats, aloe vera juice extract

The Tropical Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 13(2) 2006: 11-14