The effects of oral administration of Aloe vera [ barbadensis ] on rat central nervous system : An experimental preliminary study

Aloe vera (Av) is a very popular plant which has been used for alternative medicine. It has more than 360 types. Gel form of Av is mostly preferred [1]. Its chemical and therapeutic properties have been recently investigated [2]. Av contains anthraquinone, polysaccharide and carbohydrate. Anthraquinone is extracted from the plant before use [3]. Aloe barbadensis (Ab), one of the Av types, is the most common used form for commercial and also therapeutic purposes in North America, Europe, and Asia [4]. Plants containing Ab have been used as antiinflammatory agents, for the treatment of ulcer, hepatitis and neoplasms, and also for wound healing [5]. It has been reported that it stimulates macrophages and has antiviral effects [6]. Antioxidative effects of Ab has been shown in several studies [4,7]. Antigenotoxic and chemopreventive effects of this drug was described in several studies [4,8]. It has been reported that Av gel has angiogenic effects and causes new vessel formation in cingulated cortex and septal areas in rats after ischaemia/reperfusion injury [9]. Depressive effects on neurotransmission, block formation of axonal reflex, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Ab was stated in another study [10]. The aim of this study was to examine the morphological effects of systemic administration of Ab on neurons and glial cells in different parts of central nervous system at light microscopic level. Material and Methods