Effect of prolong consumption of crude Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) gel on haematological indices in rats

Background: Aloe vera is a succulent perennial plant that belongs to the liliaceae family and to a large family called xeroids. It is a magical plant with vast healing properties, but there is paucity in scientific literature on it effects on haematological parameters. The effect of persistent consumption of crude aqueous extract of Aloe vera on haematological indices of albino Wistar rats was investigated in this study. Methods: Twenty four rats were randomly assigned into three groups of eight rats each. Group 1 (control) received 0.26mL of normal saline o.p. Group 2 received 0.26mL of aloe vera extract for 2 weeks while group 3 received 0.26mL of aloe vera extract for 4 weeks p.o. once daily. All animals received drinking water and normal rat chow ad libitum . Results: Results revealed that the control group had a mean PCV of 37.50 ±0.98%; Hb, 11.40 ±0.39g/dL; RBC, 6.91 ±0.35 x10 6 cells/μL; WBC, 4.36 ±0.54 x10 3 cells/μL and platelet count, 670.13 ±41.01 x10 3 cells/μL. These blood parameters were not significantly different in group 2 animals compared with controls, but were significantly higher in group 3 rats compared with controls. Differential WBC counts were as follows for control values: neutrophils, 23.25 ±2.39%; lymphocytes, 72.88 ± 2.55%; monocytes, 0.13 ±0.13%; eosinophils, 3.00 ±0.71% and basophils, 0.13 ±0.12%. Lymphocytes were significantly (p<0.05) higher in group 3 compared with control group. Conclusion: Aloe vera extract contains phytochemicals that boost blood parameters and immunity on prolong consumption.？ DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.11106 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 58-61