Safety evaluation of <i>Aloe vera</i> pulp aqueous extract based on histoarchitectural and biochemical alterations in mice

Abstract

<i>Aloe vera</i> has a long history as a popular herbal remedy. A scrutiny of literature reveals that it possesses beneficial as well as harmful effects, thus making it essential to assess its toxicity profile before employing it as a medicinal agent. Various authors have reported conflicting observations on different applications of <i>Aloe vera</i> in experimental animals. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of <i>Aloe vera</i> extract used in the present study revealed the presence of tannins, carbohydrates and anthraquinone glycosides. For assessing the toxicity profile, Balb/c mice were divided into four groups— control and <i>Aloe vera </i> treated @ 250, 100 and 50 mg/kg body weight, and were administered with respective doses for 30 days. Histopathological examination of various tissues revealed significant structural alterations on administration of higher doses of <i>Aloe vera</i> indicating the toxicity, which was also associated with enhanced peroxidative damage and serum LDH activity. Low dose of <i>Aloe vera</i> revealed normal histoarchitecture of various tissues along with biochemical parameters studied. Considering these results 50 mg/kg body weight <i>Aloe vera</i> extract is considered safe and shall be employed for further studies.