Deciphering the ameliorative effect of Aloe vera (L.) burm. F. extract on histopathological alterations in Streptozotocin-induced WNIN/GR-ob rats.

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Natural products have emerged as a novel source in the management of non-communicable diseases, more so in diabetes mellitus and its comorbidities. Aloe vera is widely recognized for its anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties and numerous researchers have identified component (s) from Aloe vera attributing to these therapeutic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY The current work was undertaken to gain insight into the protective effect of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. extract to study the cytoarchitecture/histopathological alterations in the target organs in mutant Obese WNIN/GR-Ob rats that were made frank diabetic with streptozotocin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into five groups. 1)WNIN-GR-Ob/control group 2)WNIN-GR-Ob treated with STZ 3)WNIN-GR-Ob + STZ + Sitagliptin 4)WNIN-GR-Ob + STZ + Aloe vera 5)WNIN-GR-Ob/control group + Aloe vera. Histopathological analysis of the pancreas, kidney, liver, and adipocytes was done after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The histopathological examination of STZ-induced diabetic rats revealed significant changes in all the vital organs including cell infiltration, degeneration, and necrosis. Treatment with A. vera negated most of the histopathological changes seen in STZ induced rats. Sitagliptin-which served as a positive control in the present study-reversed the alterations seen in streptozotocin rats. CONCLUSION: Considering the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic activities of Aloe vera that have been previously demonstrated by us, the present study further re-instates the therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera towards vital organs. It was able to restore islet cells and reduce ß-cell damage. In addition, it was also able to aid in kidney tubular regeneration and reverse the degenerative changes brought on by streptozotocin on liver. Further, Aloe vera treated group exhibited moderate hyperplasia with decreased size of adipocytes and reduced macrophage infiltration. Thus, our findings advocate its application as an important nutraceutical in the therapeutic management of diabetes mellitus and associated complications.