Comparative Evaluation of Aloe vera and Diclofenac on Body Weight, Blood Pressure and Renal Function of Hypertensive Rats

Introduction: NSAIDs are known to cause salt and water retention leading to hypertension and renal impairment. Aloe vera gel has been used in medicinal preparations for decades. Limited data is available regarding effect of Aloe vera on renal function. There is a need to search this aspect of Aloe vera, to use it judiciously. Aims & Objectives: To estimate and compare the effects of Aloe vera and diclofenac on systolic blood pressure and renal functions of hypertensive rats. Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at Post Graduate Medical Institute Lahore, Sargodha Medical College, Sargodha and Department of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha for the period of three months. Material & Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=24) were divided into four groups; Group A (Normal control), Group B (Hypertensive control), Group C (Aloe vera treated) and Group D (Diclofenac treated). Hypertension was induced in groups B, C and D by 20% sucrose diet in 8 weeks. After induction of hypertension, distilled water, dried Aloe vera gel 400 mg/kg and diclofenac 12 mg/kg were given orally to group B, C and D respectively for 2 weeks as a single morning dose. Body weight and systolic blood pressure were measured weekly, while serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and urinary proteins were estimated and compared at 0, 8 and 10 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23 and p value of ?0.05 was considered significant. Results: Diclofenac decreased body weight of rats non-significantly and increased systolic blood pressure significantly (p< 0.03) whereas Aloe vera increased body weight significantly (p<0.012) and had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure. Diclofenac treated group showed deterioration of renal function as compared to Aloe vera treated group numerically. Conclusion: Aloe vera may be safer anti-inflammatory agent than diclofenac for treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions if the patient also has hypertension or renal disease.