Concomitant Administration of Aloe Vera Gel and Rifampicin Protects Against Rifampicin Hepatorenal Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Background: Rifampicin, an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis has raised concerns about its potential liver and kidney toxicity.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Aloe vera against hepatorenal toxicity induced by rifampicin in male Wistar rats.

Methods: Thirty rats were divided into six groups (n = 5): group A (control), group B treated with rifampicin, groups C-E treated with varying doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of Aloe vera alongside rifampicin as well as a group F treated with furosemide and rifampicin for a total of 30 days. Alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatinine, urea, and histopathological changes were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests were applied with a significance level of 5%.

Results: Results showed 98.28%, 107.66%, and 334.66% increase in ALT, AST, and ALP levels of group B (Rifampicin only) compared with the control group. In contrast, groups treated with Aloe vera showed significantly lower ALT, AST, and ALP levels as the dose increased from 50-200 mg/kg. A value of 2.23 Mg/dL content as a lipid peroxidation marker was observed in group B in comparison to the control group indicating oxidative stress while animals treated with Aloe vera at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg showed decreased levels of MDA (1.53, 1.13, and 0.80 Mg/dL respectively) in comparison to group B. A decrease in CAT and SOD levels in the rifampicin-only treated animals was observed while there was an increase in CAT and SOD levels in animals treated with Aloe vera and furosemide concomitantly with rifampicin. Creatinine and urea levels increased significantly in group B and reduced as Aloe vera was introduced at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg respectively. Histopathological analysis confirmed liver and kidney tissue damage in rifampicin only and progressive regeneration in groups treated with Aloe vera as the dose increased to 200 mg/kg.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Aloe vera has a protective effect against rifampicin-induced hepatorenal toxicity in a dose-dependent manner by mitigating oxidative stress and improving liver and kidney function markers.