Abstract

Aloe Vera (Av) gel with its multiple beneficial effects has also been associated with some side effects. The gonadosomatic index of female Wistar rats treated with graded concentration of Av gel was investigated. Seventy two sexually mature female Wistar rats weighing 140 to 255 g and 16 to 20 weeks of age were randomly grouped into four. The group A (control) rats were given distilled water while the treatment groups B, C and D were given 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg of the gel, respectively. Ovaries were collected from six rats randomly picked from each group after one, two and three weeks of gel administration. These were weighed and the gonadosomatic index was calculated. A concentration-dependent decrease (P < 0.05) in the gonadosomatic index of the treated groups which was also significantly different (P < 0.05) from one treatment group to the other as the concentration of gel administration increases were observed after each week of gel administration. It was concluded that the intake of Av gel up to 200 mg/kg for a period up to seven consecutive days causes a decrease in the ovarian mass characterized in the rat, and this may have consequences on the fecundity and fertility rate.

Key words: Aloe Vera gel, gonadosomatic index, graded concentration, female Wistar rat.