Alterations in Oxidative Stress in Testes of Swiss Albino Mice by Aloe vera Leaf Extract after Gamma Irradiation

The Aloe vera has been used as traditional medicine for past several years for the treatment of various ailments. Modulatory effects of Aloe vera leaf extract against radiation –induced changes in terms of histological alterations in testes, reduced Glutathione(GSH), Lipid per oxidation(LPO), Acid and Alkaline phosphatase levels in Swiss albino mice was studied at various post-irradiation intervals between 6 hrs. and 21 days. There was lesser damage to testes tissue architecture and various cell populations including spermatogonia, spermatids and leydig’s cells in irradiated animals. Correspondingly, a significant decrease in the LPO and an increase in the GSH level were observed in testes, liver and blood of Aloe vera pre-treated irradiated mice. Similarly, a significant decrease in level of acid phosphatase and increase in level of alkaline phosphatase were observed. The study suggests that Aloe vera plant extract has significant radioprotective effects on testes that warrants further mechanistic studies aimed at identifying the role of major ingredients in the extract.