Aloe arborescens aqueous gel extract alters the activities of key hepatic enzymes and blood concentration of triglycerides, glucose and insulin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract

The present study investigated the antidiabetic activity and the possible mechanisms of action of aqueous extract of Aloe arborescens leaf gel (AALGEt) on normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in 12 h fasted rats by intraperitoneal injection of 140 mg/kg body weight of alloxan. Blood glucose levels, body weight and water intake were determined on day 7, 14 and 21 of AALGEt treatment. Plasma insulin and triglycerides levels, as well as activities of hepatic glucokinase and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase) were determined at the end of the study. Blood glucose levels, plasma triglyceride and insulin levels, as well as the activity of hepatic G6Pase were significantly increased in diabetic rats. With the exception of hepatic glucokinase activity, daily oral administration of AALGEt to diabetic rats significantly reversed the effects induced by alloxan. The activities of glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase as well as plasma insulin levels in AALGEt-treated normal rats were comparable with those observed in untreated normal rats. The results suggest that AALGEt ameliorates physiological parameters altered by the diabetic state. These effects may be mediated in part, through the protection of pancreatic beta cells from further damage by alloxan.