Abstract

EVALUATUION OF RADIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ALOE VERA IN IRRADIATED MICE

*Dadupanthi P.

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, in the fields of radio diagnosis, radiotherapy, industries, nuclear research etc. uses of radiation and radioisotopes have been increased many folds. Some agents, using in diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, are of prime importance and their effects on organs especially on liver have attracted the interest to minimize the hazardous effects of radiation. Considering this state of affairs, the present study was planned to evaluate the protective effect of Aloe vera (a herbal drug) against radiation induced histopathological alterations in the liver of Swiss albino mice. The animals were exposed to 0.5 Gy of gamma radiation with or without prior treatment. The Aloe vera was administered since 15 days prior to irradiation treatment. The animals from all the sets were autopsied by cervical dislocation at 3, 5 and 10 days. After that, pieces of the liver were cut and immediately fixed in Bouin's fluid for histological observations. The observed changes were karyorrhexis, karyolysis mild cytoplasmic vacuolization, crenation and shrinkage of nuclei, increased kupffer cell population and lymphocytic infiltration. Pre-treated mice showed less severe changes in comparison to the non drug treated animals. In Aloe treated group an early and fast recovery was also observed. Thus, it has been concluded that Aloe vera is potent enough in treatment of radiation induced hepatic lesions in Swiss albino mice.

Keywords: Radiation, Histopathology, Aloe vera, Liver.