Effects of aloe vera extracted on liver and kidney function changes induced by hydrogen peroxide in rats

Background: Aloe vera (Aloes) is a member of the Liliaceae family that is used as herbal medicine in many cultures for several purposes. The present study was designed to investigate the role of Aloe vera leaf gel extracts on lipid profiles and liver and kidney functions in rats.Methods: In this experimental investigation, a total of 20 healthy rats were divided into four following groups. Group I fed with normal diet and water. Group II administrated by 1% hydrogen peroxide with drinking water in a dark bottle prepared daily. Group III administrated with 5 ml of aloe vera oil added to 25 grams of their ratio for each rat (25 ml oil/125 g) also prepared daily with normal drinking water. Group IV also administrated with 5 ml of aloe vera oil added to 25 grams of their ratio with drinking water that contains 1% hydrogen peroxide in a dark bottle. The rats in all four groups fed for 21 days.Results: The subjects who were included in H2O2 had significantly higher concentrations of TG (146.79 vs. 73.09 mg/dL; p<0.001), cholesterol (123.60 vs. 68.90 mg/dL; p=0.001), and lower concentration of HDL (5.79 vs. 7.53 mg/dL; p<0.001) compared to the control group. While, the subjects in Aloe Vera group had lower concentration of cholesterol (55.90 vs. 68.90 mg/dL; p=0.004), and higher level of HDL (9.22 vs. 7.53 mg/dL; p<0.001). The subjects in the H2O2 had significantly higher concentrations of AST (76.64 vs. 30.04; p<0.001), ALT (64.94 vs. 23.38; p<0.001), urea (59.68 vs. 37.10; p=0.003), uric acid (0.92 vs. 0.59; p<0.001). Whereas, the subjects in Aloe Vera had substantially lower levels of AST (18.76 vs. 30.04; p=0.008).Conclusions: The present study showed that aloe vera gel extract is effective to improve the lipid profile and liver and kidney function.

Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates lead-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract as an adjunct treatment on lead acetate induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-six male New Zealand White rabbits were assigned into two main groups. The first group (14 rabbits) served as normal control. The secondgroup (22 rabbits) was administered orally with lead acetate at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. At the 4th and the 8th week of treatment, 6 animals (3 animals at each period) of the second group were sacrificed while the remaining animals (16 rabbits) were assigned randomly into 2 subgroups (8 rabbits each): treated and non-treated. The first subgroup was orally given 1 mL phosphate-buffered saline for further 4 weeks while the second subgroup was administered orally with Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day for the same period. Blood samples were collected to determine hematological and serum biochemical indices. Tissue specimens were collected from the liver and kidney for evaluation of the oxidant/antioxidant markers and for histopathological examinations. Results: Lead acetate exposure decreased the mean body weight gain, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and lymphocytes count. Moreover, it markedly increased counts of monocytes and platelets, serum enzyme activity, levels of creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Malondialdehyde level was markedly increased while the reduced glutathione content was significantly decreased in liver tissue of lead intoxicated-rabbits. Histopathological alterations were also noticed in the liver and kidney of lead intoxicated rabbits. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract significantly improved hematological and serum biochemical parameters and histopathological structure of the liver and kidney. Conclusions: Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates hemato-biochemical and histopathological alterations caused by lead acetate and improveshepatic and renal functions.

Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates lead-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract as an adjunct treatment on lead acetate induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rabbits.Methods: Thirty-six male New Zealand White rabbits were assigned into two main groups. The first group (14 rabbits) served as normal control. The second group (22 rabbits) was administered orally with lead acetate at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. At the 4th and the 8th week of treatment, 6 animals (3 animals at each period) of the second group were sacrificed while the remaining animals (16 rabbits) were assigned randomly into 2 subgroups (8 rabbits each): treated and non-treated. The first subgroup was orally given 1 mL phosphate-buffered saline for further 4 weeks while the second subgroup was administered orally with Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day for the same period. Blood samples were collected to determine hematological and serum biochemical indices. Tissue specimens were collected from the liver and kidney for evaluation of the oxidant/antioxidant markers and for histopathological examinations. Results: Lead acetate exposure decreased the mean body weight gain, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and lymphocytes count. Moreover, it markedly increased counts of monocytes and platelets, serum enzyme activity, levels of creatinine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Malondialdehyde level was markedly increased while the reduced glutathione content was significantly decreased in liver tissue of lead intoxicated-rabbits. Histopathological alterations were also noticed in the liver and kidney of lead intoxicated rabbits. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract significantly improved hematological and serum biochemical parameters and histopathological structure of the liver and kidney. Conclusions: Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract ameliorates hemato-biochemical and histopathological alterations caused by lead acetate and improves hepatic and renal functions.

Biochemical and histopathological assessment of atorvastatin-loaded nanoemulsion effectiveness in Rats

Background: Atorvastatin (ATV), a lipid lowering agent, has low solubility and poor dissolution affects its oral bioavailability. Nanoemulsion (NE) has been developed to improve the delivery of therapeutic agents. This study was aimed to assess the ability of the NE in enhancing ATV bioavailability and minimizing its side effects in hyperlipidemic rats.Methods: Thirty-five rats divided into seven groups were utilized in this study. Hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding rats high fat diet (HFD) for 3 months. The antihyperlipidemic activity of 10 and 20 mg/kg of ATV loaded in two different delivery systems; nanoemulsion (10% and 20% ATV-LNE) or in water (10% and 20% ATV-sol), were investigated. At the end of the experiment, body weight, serum and plasma biochemical parameters (lipid profile, glucose, insulin, liver and kidney functions, oxidative stress markers were assessed. Liver and kidney were histopathologically examined. The physical characteristics of NE were determined by the Zetasizer (the z-average diameter and zeta potential).Results: 20% ATV-LNE had the smallest nanoparticles (38.12±6.71nm) whereas it had the largest zeta negative potential of -26.8±4.16mV. The serum biochemical results and the histopathological examination revealed that treatment with 20% ATV-LNE improved the lipid profile by significantly increasing HDL and decreasing cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein. Both 10 and 20% ATV-LNE reduced serum glucose level compared to other used formulas.Conclusions: NE formulas have the potential to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of ATV and reduce its side effects.