The ameliorative effect of Aloe Vera on cholelithiasis

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Aloe Vera (AV) on gallstone formation by evaluating its effect on substances which are involved in the pathogenesis of gallstones, and this includes biliary calcium, bilirubin and cholesterol concentration.
Methodology: A total of thirty-five (35) albino wistar rats weighing between 200 and 250g were obtained from the Animal house, Department of Physiology. The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups of 7 animals each. Group I served as control, group II was fed ca2+ in cow’ s milk and High fat diets (HFD) while group III and IV received low dose and high dose of Aloe Vera gel extract respectively in addition to ca2+ and high fat diet. Afterward a period of 12 weeks, the animals were sacrifices and bile collected for analysis of biliary flow rates and constituents (biliary calcium and bilirubin), while blood for calcium analysis was collected by cardiac puncture and placed in lithium heparinised tubes respectively.
Results: Analysis of the various parameters revealed a reduction in biliary and plasma calcium ion, Increased in biliary flow rate, reduction of total cholesterol concentration. But an increase in total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin, but a reduction in unconjugated bilirubin.
Conclusion: these results are indicative of the efficacy of Aloe Vera gel to obviate derangement of biliary parameters that lead to cholelithiasis, hence Aloe Vera may be used to prevent formation, reoccurrence of gallstones.