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BMC Gastroenterology
Published in: BMC Gastroenterology 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research article

The effect of Aloe ferox Mill. in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats

Authors: Olubunmi A Wintola, Taofik O Sunmonu, Anthony J Afolayan

Published in: BMC Gastroenterology | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint all over the world and it is a risk factor of colorectal cancer. In this study, the efficacy of aqueous leaf extract of Aloe ferox Mill. was studied against loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats.

Methods

Constipation was induced by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg body weight) while the control rats received normal saline. The constipated rats were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day of the extract for 7 days during which the feeding characteristics, body weight, fecal properties and gastrointestinal transit ratio were monitored.

Results

The extract improved intestinal motility, increased fecal volume and normalized body weight in the constipated rats, which are indications of laxative property of the herb with the 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showing the best efficacy.

Conclusion

The effect of the extract compares favourably well with senokot, a standard laxative drug. These findings have therefore, lent scientific credence to the folkloric use of the herb as a laxative agent by the people of the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of Aloe ferox Mill. in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats
Authors
Olubunmi A Wintola
Taofik O Sunmonu
Anthony J Afolayan
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Gastroenterology / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1471-230X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-10-95

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