THE EFFECT OF ALOE VERA ON GASTRIC ACID SECRETION AND ACUTE GASTRIC MUCOSAL INJURY IN RATS

Abstract

The effect of varying doses of ethanol extract of Aloe vera (Liliaceae) on acute gastric mucosal lesions induced by 0.6M HCl and acid output was studied in the pylorus ligated and lumen perfuse rats respectively. Acid secretion was determined by titration of the collected gastric juice to pH 7.0. Intraperitoneal injection of Aloe vera, dose dependently inhibited gastric acid secretion. The plant was more active as a gastroprotective agent at lower concentration against mucosal injury induced by 0.6M HCl. In conclusion, Aloe vera is endowed with gastric acid antisecretory activity and could protect the gastric mucosa at low concentrations against injurious agents.


Key Words: Aloe vera; Liliaceae; Gastric acid secretion; Gastroprotection; Pyloric ligation


Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol.7 2003: 55-57