ABSTRACT
The effect of Masfon-Aloe vera drink on intestinal transit and motility was investigated in this study. Thirty (30) albino Wistar rats were divided into 2 batches of 15 rats each, batch 1 for intestinal motility, and batch 2 for intestinal transit experiments. Each batch was further divided into three groups of 5 rats each (control, low dose and high dose). All groups were fed with normal rat chow and water for 21 days. In addition, the control received 0.3 ml of normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) while the low dose (LD) and high dose (HD) experimental groups received Masfon Aloe vera drink (1 ml and 3 ml/kg body weight orally, once daily respectively). The study was carried out at the Department of Physiology, University of Calabar, Nigeria. At the end of the study duration, intestinal motility and transit studies were conducted. Result for intestinal motility showed the extract (Masfon-Aloe vera drink), at either low or high dose did not significantly change the frequency and amplitude of the spontaneous contraction (basal contraction) of the rat ileum when compared with the control. Graded concentrations of Acetylcholine (10-8 to 10-4) was observed to produce a dose dependent increase in contraction of the rat ileum which was significantly (p<0.001) greater in the LD and HD groups at lower concentrations of 10-8 and 10-7M. The mean percentage intestinal transit which was not significantly different (p = 0.226, p=0.892) among the groups was 42.16 ± 2.63 in the low dose, 37.75 ± 5.15 in the high dose groups compared to 36.91 ± 3.01 in the control. Administration of atropine produced significantly higher (p<0.01) relaxations in the LD (5.00 ± 0.41 mm) and HD groups compared with control [relaxation in mm, mean ± SEM (2.25 ± 0.25) in control vs (5.00 ± 0.41) and (10.75 ± 0.25) in LD and HD respectively]. Masfon-Aloe vera drink administered at these concentrations “did” not significantly alter the basal motility and transit of the rat ileum, but was observed to potentiate Ach induced contraction of the rat ileum, and also “augmented” the relaxant effect of atropine.
ABSTRACT
Aims: This study was designed to determine the effect of a high salt diet on serum bilirubin concentration and to ascertain the impact of treatment with Viscum album on same. Methodology: Twenty male albino wistar rats weighing 150 - 200g were used for this study. After seven days of habituation, the animals were randomly divided into four (4) groups of five rats each. Group 1 (NC) served as control and were fed with normal rat pellet and water; group 2(NT) served as the control treated group (administered 150 mg/kg Viscum album orally, in addition to rat pallet and water); group 3 (SF) served as the high salt diet fed group (without treatment), while group 4 (ST) served as the high salt diet fed group, treated orally with 150 mg/kg Viscum album. The feeding regimen lasted for six weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for analysis. Results: Mean serum total bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the SF group compared to control, NT and ST group. It was also significantly (p<0.001) lower in the ST group compared to SF group. Serum conjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the SF group compared to NC, NT and ST group. It was also significantly (p<0.001) reduced in the ST group compared to the SF group. Serum unconjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the SF group compared to NC, NT and ST group. Serum unconjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.01) lower in the ST group compared to SF group. Conclusion: Our results are indicative of the fact that oral administration of Viscum album reduces serum bilirubin concentration in high salt fed animals.
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to determine the effect of type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on bilirubin excretion and to compare the effects of separate administration of Aloe vera gel and aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album on serum bilirubin, bile secretory rate and biliary bilirubin concentration. Methodology: Thirty six male albino Wistar rats weighing 180 - 220 g were used for this study. After 14 days of habituation, the rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was induced in the test groups by a single i.p dose (65 mg/kg) of streptozotocin. Group 1 served as control; group 2 - diabetic untreated group (DM); group 3 - diabetic group, treated with 0.4 ml/100g Aloe vera gel orally (DM+Aloe); group 4 - diabetic group, treated with 150 mg/kg Viscum album leaf extract orally (DM+VA); group 5 - control group, treated with 0.4 ml/100g Aloe vera gel orally (C+Aloe); group 6 - control group, treated with 150 mg/kg Viscum album leaf extract orally (C+VA). All animals had unrestricted access to food and water. The regimen lasted for 21 days, after which bile secretion was determined and same was collected together with serum for biliary and serum bilirubin estimation. Results: The results showed that serum and biliary total, conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentrations were significantly (p<0.001) higher in the DM group compared to control, DM+Aloe and DM+VA, with DM+Aloe group having significantly lower serum and biliary total and conjugated bilirubin (p<0.001), and serum unconjugated bilirubin (p<0.05) compared to DM+VA group. Serum conjugated bilirubin concentration in C+Aloe and C+VA group was significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.001 respectively) higher compared to control, while serum unconjugated bilirubin concentration was significantly (p<0.001 and p<0.01 respectively) lower compared to control. C+VA group had a significantly (p<0.001) higher biliary total and conjugated bilirubin concentrations compared to C+Aloe group. Conclusion: On the basis of the results obtained, we therefore conclude that Aloe vera gel and aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album enhances bilirubin excretion in diabetic and normal animals and are both hepatoprotective.