EFFECT OF ALOE VERA GEL ON ACETAMINOPHEN INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

ABSTRACT Aim and Objective: Acetaminophen, commonly known as Paracetamol is a widely used pain killer. However, its overdose leads to kidney damage. Aloe vera gel has abundant antioxidants. The study was designed to establish the protective effect of Aloe vera gel extract on the nephrotoxicity induced by acetaminophen. Material and Method: Three groups were made each having six rats. The rats belonging to group A (control) were provided standard diet and injected with 5 ml normal saline on the 8th day. Group B rats were fed with normal pellet diet and on the 8th day injected with 1000 mg/kg b.w acetaminophen, dissolved in 5 ml of normal saline. The rats of group C were fed with standard pellet diet along with 400 mg/kg b.w Aloe vera gel extract. On the 8th day, they were injected with acetaminophen, 1000 mg/kg b.w dissolved in 5 ml normal saline. The kidneys of all rats were removed and studied under light microscope. The biochemical markers including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and uric acid levels were measured. Glomerular morphometry was done to evaluate the renal morphology. Results: Aloe vera gel extract produced a significant improvement in the glomerular diameter (p value< 0.01). Biochemical markers including blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were improved and uric acid levels were significantly reduced (p value<0.01). Conclusion: Aloe vera gel extract can serve as an easily available and a safe prospect for the treating nephrotoxicity.