Toxicological evaluation of methanol extract of Aloe vera in rats

The toxicity profile of the methanol extract of the Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) gel was studied in Wistar rats. A multiple oral administration of the extract at single dose of 4, 8, 16g/kg body weights for 14 days did not produce signs of toxicity, behavioral appearances, changes on gross appearance. The sub-acute toxicity was determined by administration of graded doses (1, 2, 4, 8 and 16g/kg b.wt orally) of the extract daily for 6 weeks and the effects on body weight, organ weight, histology as well as serum biochemical parameters were estimated. Body weight of dosed and control rats increased throughout the duration of treatment. Our data demonstrated significantly no difference in serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, total and direct bilirubin. Histological findings on liver, kidney, small intestine, heart and brain revealed normal architecture and no obvious pathology was noted. It may be concluded that the methanol extract of Aloe vera do not produce significant toxic effect in rats during acute and sub-acute treatment in rats. Hence, the extract can be utilized for nutraceuticals formulations.