Abstract

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.