ALOE VERA GEL REVERSES HAEMOSTATIC DERANGEMENT IN RATS FOLLOWING SALT LOADING.
Archibong Nsa Archibong, Clement Oshie Nku, Augustine Lishilinimye Udefa*, Solomon Ayaokpo Leilei
ABSTRACT
This research investigated the effect of Aloe vera (gel) on haemostatic
status of high salt loaded rats. Twenty wistar rats (200-250g) were
randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5) thus: control, Aloe (600mg/kg
of Aloe vera), Salt-fed [SF] (high salt diet- 8% NaCl in feed and 1%
NaCl in H2O) and salt treated [SF+Aloe] (high salt diet+600mg/kg of
Aloe vera) groups. All groups took rat feed and water throughout the
duration (six weeks) of treatment. Blood samples were collected via
cardiac puncture and tail pricking for analysis. Platelet count was
significantly decreased in Aloe (p<0.001) and SF (p<0.01) groups
compared with control. But it was significantly (p<0.001) increased in
SF+Aloe group compared with other groups. MPV and P-LCR were
significantly increased in SF+Aloe group compared with Aloe (p<0.05) and SF (p<0.01)
groups. Clotting, bleeding and prothrombin times were significantly (p<0.01) increased in SF
group compared with control and Aloe groups. They were however significantly (p<0.01)
decreased in SF+Aloe group compared with SF group. High salt intake caused deleterious
haemostatic effects by reducing platelet count and increasing clotting, bleeding and
prothrombin times but Aloe vera however ameliorated these effects and can therefore be
effective in treating bleeding disorders.
Keywords: Aloe Vera; Bleeding; Clotting; Salt; Platelet.
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