Research Article
E. J. Ani, V. U. Nna, U. A. Ok
Abstract
Thermoxidized palm oil has been shown to generate free radicals in the body, and constitute a major risk factor for developing varying degree of disorders. Following the widely celebrated medicinal uses of Aloe vera gel, this study therefore seeks to examine the effects of its administration on various haematological parameters of rats chronically fed with thermoxidized palm oil. Fifteen albino Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were randomly assigned 1 of 3 groups (n = 5), thus; control, thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) fed group - untreated and TPO fed group – treated with Aloe vera gel (TPO + AV) at a dose of 0.2ml/100g body weight per oral route. The administration of Aloe vera gel lasted for 4 weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for analysis. Results showed that TPO significantly (p<0.05) increased mean daily water intake and decreased (p<0.001) white blood cell count, compared with control. White blood cell count was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in TPO + AV group compared with control, and significantly (p<0.05) higher in TPO + AV group, compared with TPO group. Platelet count was significantly (p<0.05) increased in TPO + AV group, compared with control and TPO groups. Low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in TPO + AV group, compared with control. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-c) was significant (p<0.05) reduced in TPO + AV group, compared with TPO group. Thermoxidized palm oil consumption did not significantly alter red blood cell count, total serum cholesterol, and serum electrolytes in this study. However, Aloe vera gel administration appeared to be beneficial in reducing LDL-c and VLDL-c, hence, a possible anti - hyperlipidemic effect.