Maduka Stephen Ozoemena

There are folkloric claims that Aloe vera has many pharmacological properties which have not been conclusively investigated. The aim of the study is to investigate the protective/toxic effects of chronic administration of Aloe vera gel extract on the haemostasis, haematology and renal handling of electrolytes, urea and creatinine in Wistar rats. The experimental animals were grouped into four: group 1(control) received vehicle and the test groups (2,3,4) received different doses of the extract (200, 300, and 500mg bwt/day ) respectively for 21 days. The bleeding time significantly decreased as the concentration of the extract increased while the clotting time increased relative to the control (P0.05). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the chronic administration of Aloe vera gel did not disrupt the renal function of the wistar rats. 

Diabetic mellitus goes with metabolic disorders involving hyperglycaemia and lipid disorders. The study investigated the activity of aqueous ginger extract on the glucose level and lipid profile of cholesterol-fed diabetic rats.  The rats were randomly distributed into four groups of 5 rats per group. Group A (control) were placed on normal rat feed. Diabetes was induced in groups B, C, and D by intraperitoneal administration of one dose of alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg/bwt) and fed diet mixed with 1% cholesterol. The rats in groups C and D were orally administered with 250 and 500mg/kg/bwt of ginger extract respectively for 14 days. Biochemical parameters were analysed by standard methods. A significant decrease (P0.05). There was a statistical increase in the serum triacylglycerol level in group B compared to group A (P