Evaluation of Bioaccumulation of Cadmium in Wistar Rats and Absorption with Aloe Barbadensis Extract

Toxicity from heavy metals, especially cadmium (Cd), poses serious health risks because of its bioaccumulative nature and ability to induce organ damage and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the absorption and protective properties Aloe barbadensis extract against cadmium-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. Three groups of five rats each were created. (n = 5): a control group, a cadmium-exposed group, and a treatment group administered with cadmium solution, followed by Aloe barbadensis extract (40 mg/L) for 28 days. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate differences among the groups, followed by Turkey’s post-hoc test. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to identify functional groups present in the extract, atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify cadmium accumulation in selected organs. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxylic acids (C=O and C–O stretching) and other functional groups as well as secondary amines and alcohols, which may contribute to metal-binding and antioxidant activity. Results revealed significantly higher cadmium accumulation in the organs of untreated rats (0.08, 0.09, and 0.07 mg/L). However, treatment with A. barbadensis extract led to a notable reduction in cadmium levels in the liver, kidneys, lungs, and spleen (0.01–0.02 mg/L). Although the extract did not totally stop lung toxicity, notable protective effects were noted in other organs, while spleen tissues showed relative resilience across all groups. These results imply that A. barbadensis extract possesses bioactive compounds capable of reducing cadmium accumulation and mitigating tissue damage, indicating its possibility as a natural medicinal substance against cadmium-induced toxicity in vivo