EFFECT OF CHLOROFORM EXTRACT OF ALOE VERA GEL ON SODIUM AND WATER RETENTION IN RATS

Background and Objective: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are popular to treat acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. These drugs cause salt and fluid retention among other side effects. Aloe vera is a well – known medicinal plant that reduces inflammation but its effect on salt and fluid re-tention has not been studied. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of chloroform extract of Aloe vera leaf – gel on sodium and water retention in rats. Methods: A randomized controlled experimental study was conducted at Post Graduate Medical Insti-tute, Lahore in which twelve adult healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups each containing six rats. First group served as a control and was given 0.5 ml distilled water while sec-ond experimental group was given chloroform extract of Aloe vera gel, 200 mg/kg dissolved in 0.5 ml distilled water orally by one ml syringe as a single morning dose for a period of 28 days. Body weight, urine sodium concentration, blood haematocrit and serum sodium and potassium concentrations were measured on Day 0, 14 and 28. Results: It was found that Aloe vera extract did not cause significant change in body weight and urine sodium concentration, caused a slight fall in haematocrit, rise in serum sodium concentration within normal range and no change in serum potassium concentration. Conclusion: The present study shows that Aloe vera extract does not cause sodium and water retention when given orally in 200 mg/kg dose, but needs evaluation by using gradually increasing doses.