Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the possible hepatoprotective activity of Aloe vera against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced
liver damage and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: The acute AFB1-intoxicated rat model was established by intragastric
administration of AFB1 at the dose of 2.0 mg/kg. The hepatoprotective effect of Aloe vera on AFB1-intoxicated rats was evaluated
by measuring body weight, serum markers and histopathological examination. And the mechanisms involved were elucidated
by measuring the levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in livers. Results: The treatment of Aloe vera effectively inhibited
the body weight loss in AFB1-intoxicated rats, and significantly reduced serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamic
oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels. In addition, Aloe vera was shown to
be effective in improving hepatic histopathological changes, lowering malondialdehyde (MDA), and elevating the levels of reduced
glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). These
results suggest that Aloe vera can remarkably enhance the antioxidant and detoxifying capacities of AFB1-intoxicated rats, and
possesses a potent protective effect against AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity.

Key words: Aloe vera, aflatoxin B1-induced liver injury, hepatoprotection, oxidative stress, detoxication