Protective Effects of Aloe vera Methanol Extract Against Ethanol-Induced Steatosis, Mitotic Arrest, and Oxidative Stress in Balb/c Mice.

Background: Aloe vera has a wide range of traditional uses such as the treatment of wounds and infections, liver disease, and hypertension. The study evaluated the effect of methanol extract of Aloe vera (MEAL) on liver function, oxidative stress markers and liver histology in ethanol-treated mice. Methods: Twenty-five mice were allotted into five groups (n=5). The mice received distilled water, 10 ml/kg of 20% ethanol, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg MEAL plus 20% ethanol and 100 mg/kg silymarin plus 20% ethanol respectively for eighteen days. All the mice were euthanized thereafter and blood samples were collected in a plain bottle centrifuged and used to evaluate liver function markers while the liver was removed and processed for light microscopy. Oxidative stress markers were evaluated from the liver homogenate. The number of hepatocytes in the telophase stage of mitosis was counted. Results: Ethanol treatment significantly elevated (p< .05) serum levels of AST and ALT relative to the control. However, pre-treatment with MEAL was shown to significantly reduce (p< .05) the AST and ALT levels compared to the ethanol treatment. The mice pre-treated with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg MEAL displayed significantly higher (p< .05) catalase, SOD, and reduced glutathione activities relative to the ethanol-treated mice. Pre-treatment with MEAL prevents hepatocyte degeneration and steatosis as well as increases the number of cells at the telophase stage of mitosis. Conclusion: Methanol extract of Aloe vera prevented hepatocyte distortion, and steatosis in ethanol-treated mice. It also regulates liver function, enhances antioxidant activity and promotes mitosis in liver cells.