Effect of Aloe Vera on Growth of Rat Pups

Abstract


 Aim and Objective: Widely and commonly grown plant, Aloe vera has numerous health benefits. The breast fed neonates of mothers consuming the plant as dietary supplement are exposed to its effects. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera extract on growth of rat pups. Study design: Experimental study. Place of study: Anatomy department of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Material and Method: A week old Wistar albino rats were fed with extracts of Aloe vera (low dose 50mg/kg b.w and high dose 500mg/kg b.w) daily for ten days through oral gavage. The weight of the pups was recorded and after euthanasia the lower limb region was dissected and tibia were removed. The length and weight of the bone was noted. Results: Pups fed with a high dose of Aloe vera extract showed a significant increase in their body mass (p<0.05) and also demonstrated a significant increase in the length of tibia (p<0.001). Conclusion: 500mg/kg b.w of Aloe vera extract resulted in a significant increase in the body weight and promoted the tibial bone growth.