The effects of Aloe Vera sap on progesterone, estrogen and gonadotropin in female rats

Abstract

Introduction: Aloe Vera or yellow Sabr is a durable plant belonging to Sousanian family. This plant has a strange potential to treat scars and burns. Aloe Vera leaf has antimicrobial and anticancer attributes. This study is designed to assess the probable effects of Aloe Vera sap on progesterone, estrogen and gonadotropin in female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 female rats with the mean weight of 180 ± 20 gr were divided into five groups of control, sham, and intervention groups 1, 2, and 3. The control group did not receive any drug. The sham group only received 2 ml distilled water. Intervention groups received 50, 100 and 200 mg/ kg hidroalcoholic extract of Aloe Vera during 10 days orally (equal to 2 sexual cycles). Finally, the rats were anesthetized using ether and blood samples were taken through their ventricles. Blood serum was extracted and the serum concentration of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was measured using immunoassay. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean serum level of estrogen was significantly higher in intervention groups 2 (100 mg) and 3 (200 mg) compared to the control group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between the intervention groups and control group for serum level of progesterone, LH and FSH. Conclusion: Given these findings, the Aloe Vera sap may have favorable effects on estrogen synthesis due to its phytoestrogen components such as beta sitosterol, and can increase the estrogen level.

Keywords

• aloe vera
• estrogen
• progesterone
• gonadotropins
• rat