Effects of Aloe vera on colonic anastomoses of rats

Background: Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry regions. Aloe vera has been known and used in traditional medicine and also in the modern world. Aloe vera has some pharmacological actions including wound healing, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory effects. We have studied the possible effects of Aloe vera gel on the healing of colonic anastomoses of rats. Material and Methods: In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Aloe vera group received 2 mL/kg per day Aloe vera, and the control group received the same amount of water. Animals underwent resection and anastomosis of the distal colon. Bursting pressures of anastomoses and hydroxyproline contents of perianastomotic region were determined on the third and seventh days. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare bursting pressures and hydroxyproline levels between groups. Results: There was no difference between groups in mortality. Mean bursting pressures and mean hydroxyproline levels were lower in the control group than in the Aloe vera group both on the third and seventh days. Conclusion: Aloe vera has multiple pharmacologically active compounds. It stimulates phagocyte formation and its activity induces nitric oxide production, it has angiogenic activity, increases synthesis, maturation and cross-linking of collagen, stimulates cell proliferation, stimulates fibroblast functions and proliferation, inhibits arachidonic acid oxidation, has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces tumour necrosis factor-a levels, and has antioxidant activity. Thus, according to our findings, Aloe vera has positive effects on the colonic anastomotic healing of rats.