In vivo antiplatelet aggregatory activity of Aloe vera juice on mice cerebral micro vessels

Aloe vera plant (A. vulgari and A. barbadensis) has being used traditionally as a medicinal plant for centuries. Gel from the inner central zone of the leaves and latex from pericyclic cells are used for medicinal purposes. The present study was conducted to elucidate the beneficial effects of Aloe vera juice on the platelet aggregation in cerebral microvessels of mice. Male mice were injected with Saline (control) or Aloe vera juice (0.2 ml/30 g b.w.) one hour before the experiment. Animals were anaesthetized and trachea was intubated. Craniotomy was performed and a window was opened on the left side of the skull. Layer of dura was removed. Brain surface microvessels were exposed and animal was placed on the microscope stage. Microscope was connected to a monitor and VCR to record all events. Exposed brain surface was continuously irrigated with ACSF solution. After the body temperature was maintained at 37?C, Sodium fluorescein (2%, 0.1 ml/10 g) was injected i.v. through tail injection. After 30 seconds, high intensity mercury light was switched on to induce platelet aggregation photochemically. Appearance of first platelet aggregation and total blood flow stop were timed in seconds. Data was statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. Our results show that in the animals treated with Aloe vera juice, venule as well as arteriole platelet aggregation timings were significantly delayed (p