Prevention of gastric ulcers in rats by Aloe gel(Thai)

Abstract

Aloe vera is a plant easily grown in Thailand. It is used in burn and wound healing. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Aloe gel on gastric ulcers caused by indomethacin in rats. Giving Aloe gel at doses of 0.25 and 0.5 ml for 30 minutes prior to oral administration of indomethacin decreased the numbers of bleeding spots which were 1.13+0.83 and 0.75+1.04, respectively. They were 10.73 and 16.17 times lower than in the group given indomethacin alone which was 12.13+5.84. Moreover, the histological features of the indomethacin alone treated group showed deep injury to gastric mucosa at around half of the layer. When giving Aloe gel, the gastric injury was found to be less than in the indomethacin alone treated group. The results reveal the protective effect of Aloe gel on gastric ulcers caused by the anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin. It is recommended to consume aloe gel for gastric ulcer prevention.