Introduction: Glyphosate-Based Herbicide (GBHs) are widely used worldwide,
this study investigated the ameliorative effect of Aloe Vera against GBHs hepatic
toxicity in rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Actions, with a focus on
DNA damage and apoptosis.
Methods: Twenty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly classified into four
groups: Group I, represented as a control. In group II, rats were administered
500 mg/kg of Roundup herbicide as one of GBHs. In Group III, rats were
administered 200 mg/kg of Aloe Vera, and finally, in Group IV, rats were coadministered with 500 mg/kg of Roundup and 200 mg/kg of Aloe Vera, orally,
three times a week for 6 weeks.
Results and Discussion: Rats exposed to GBH showed significant oxidative
stress, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease the reduced
glutathione (GSH) levels, alongside increased the inflammatory markers (TNF-
α and IL-1β). Liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, LDH) were markedly elevated,
and comet assay results revealed substantial DNA fragmentation in hepatocytes.
Histopathological findings and immunohistochemical overexpression of
caspase-3 confirmed the liver pathological lesions and apoptosis, respectively.
Co-administration of Aloe Vera with GBH significantly alleviated the biochemical,
histopathological, and apoptotic alterations, but it did not fully reverse the DNA
damage. These findings suggest that Aloe Vera may offer partial hepatoprotection
against GBH toxicity through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.