EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA GEL ON MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE INDUCED OVARIAN TOXICITY IN RATS

ABSTRACT: Aim and Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of aloe vera gel on reproductive toxicity induced by MSG in female albino rats. Study design: Experimental study. Place of study: Anatomy department of Shaikh Zayed Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Material and Method: 36 female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A was the control group, it was given distilled water. The experimental group B was treated with 200 mg/kg b.w of MSG dissolved in 1.5 ml of distilled water, for 14 days by gastric intubation. While the experimental group C was provided with 400 mg/kg b.w of aloe vera gel extract, along with 200 mg/kg body weight of MSG dissolved in 1.5 ml of distilled water by gastric intubation for 14 consecutive days at an interval of 24 hours. The rats were dissected on the 15th day and their ovaries were removed. Light microscopic examination was done to study the histological changes. Results: The ovaries demonstrated deformed secondary and graafian follicles with vacuolization and there was a significant decrease in the diameters of secondary follicles (p value= 0.018) in group B. Histopathological changes induced by MSG in the ovaries were improved by co-administration of aloe vera gel in group C (p value=0.003). Conclusion: Aloe vera gel when consumed with MSG minimizes its harmful effects.