Abstract

EFFECT OF ALOE VERA SUPPLEMENTATION ON PHENYTOIN INDUCED BEHAVIOURAL ABNORMALITIES IN RATS

Sohini Dutta*, Ishika Roy, Dr. Lakshmikanth R.N.

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to investigate the effect of Aloe vera supplementation on the behavioural abnormalities induced by Phenytoin in rats. 30 Albino wistar rats were divided in 5 groups of 6 animals each. The control group received oral water by gavage daily for 21 days. The second group received 40mg/kg Phenytoin every day for 21 days. Groups three, four and five received Phenytoin (40mg/kg) and Aloe vera (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) respectively for 21 days. Motor coordination was evaluated by Rota Rod, exploratory behaviour was assessed by Hole Board, memory was evaluated using the Elevated Plus Maze and spontaneous motor activity was examined by Actophotometer on the 0th day and every 7 days following the administration of the drugs. Chronic administration of phenytoin (40mg/kg) significantly induced behavioural abnormalities. Supplementation with Aloe vera significantly reduced the behavioural impairments in rats with maximum improvement observed in the group supplemented with 200mg/kg Aloe vera. The results of the present study indicate that Aloe vera is effective against the various behavioural abnormalities induced by Phenytoin and was thus suggested to improved the quality of epileptic patient under long-term Phenytoin treatment.

Keywords: Phenytoin, Aloe vera, Behavioural abnormality, Rota rod, Hole board, Actophotometer, Elevated plus maze.