Investigating the antioxidant effects of Aloe vera: Possible role in regulating lipid profile and liver function in high fat and fructose diet (HFFD) fed mice

Abstract

Fat rich diets are believed to induce obesity and contributes to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease while high fructose diet was reported to increase gut surface area and enhance nutrient uptake resulting in weight gain. The study investigate the role of Aloe vera supplementation on lipid profiles, oxidative stress as well as liver and hear histology in high fat and fructose diet fed mice. Twenty mice were distributed into four groups (n=5). The groups received regular diet, high fat and fructose died (HFFD), HFFD plus 10% Aloe vera (HFFD+AV1) and HFFD plus 20% Aloe vera (HFFD+AV2) respectively for 10 weeks. The cholesterol level of HFFD+AV treated mice were significantly lower compared to HFFD treated mice. The ALT level was significantly increased in HFFD treated mice relative to the control. Aloe vera significantly improve albumin level as well as Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities of HFFD treated mice. The liver tissues of control and HFFD+AV2 treated mice showed normal hepatocytes. The study suggest that Aloe vera supplementation could protect against HFFD induced oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia. These findings might be used for further research on food supplementation for the control of metabolic disorders.