Effects of Aloe woodii gel methanolic extract on the liver function changes induced by high sugar intake in female albino rats

Abstract

Consuming sugar-added foods and sweetened beverages is being a familiar habit associated with many diseases. Folk information in Yemen indicates the therapeutic effects of Aloe woodii on some diseases. So, the aim of this study is to evaluate the ameliorated effect of Aloe woodii gel extract on liver lesions in female rats induced by high table sugar intake. This study lasted 11 weeks and was divided into two periods. The first period was for high table sugar supplement, whereas the second was for the treatment by the methanolic extract of Aloe woodii gel. At the end of the experiment, body weights were recorded, blood samples were taken, and liver samples were also taken for the histopathological examination supported by quantitative measurement. Results: There was no remarked change in the body weights between groups, but there was an accumulation of the visceral fat and an elevated of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in the sugar group. Histopathological examination of liver tissues in the sugar group revealed many degenerated manners such as vacuolation and/or ballooning of hepatocytes and inflammation. However, the treatment by Aloe woodii gel led to an ameliorate of the histopathological changes, but had no effect on ALT level. Conclusion: High sugar supplement induced high visceral fat accumulation and many lesions in liver tissue, whereas Aloe woodii treatment ameliorated these effects.