Effect of Aloe vera and metformin on diabetic albino rats

Diabetes mellitus refers to a predominant concern characterized by excessive glycemia, glycosuria, as well as hyperlipemia; resulting from deficiency of insulin. Plants have always been paid attention as suitable substitutes for chemical drugs due to easy accessibility, fewer side effects, low-toxicity, and cost-effectiveness exhibiting reportedly helpful effects. In the present study, Alloxan monohydrate 150mg/kg body weight was administrated intraperitoneally to induce diabetes in rats, the effect of Aloe vera leaf gel and Metformin on blood glucose and body weight were compared. Aloe vera gel in a concentration of 1000mg/kg body weight and metformin at concentration 150mg/kg body weight was orally administered in induced diabetic in rats. There was a significant difference of (p<0.05) recorded in blood glucose level and body weight in the control and treated groups. The glucose level in blood was decreased in all treated groups (aloe vera treated group and metformin-treated group) except control diabetic group: whereas after induction of diabetes bodyweight of all diabetic groups were decreased. After treatment with aloe vera and metformin, there was a significant increase in body weight of treated groups as compared with the diabetic control group.