Gastroprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Aloe vera Gel in Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Gastric ulceration is a clinically significant condition in horses, pigs, and companion animals in Nigeria, often associated with stress, prolonged non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, or Helicobacter pylori-related infections. Aloe vera, widely cultivated across Nigeria, contains mucilaginous polysaccharides, anthraquinones, and antioxidants that may confer gastroprotective effects. This study investigated the gastroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats. Forty male rats were allocated to five groups: normal control receiving normal saline, ulcer control receiving aspirin at 200 mg/kg, omeprazole positive control at 20 mg/kg, and two Aloe vera extract groups at 400 and 800 mg/kg. Gastric ulceration was induced by a single oral dose of aspirin after 24 hours of fasting. Animals were sacrificed four hours after ulcer induction. Stomachs were examined grossly for ulcer score, and sections were taken for histopathological analysis. Gastric juice was collected for pH and mucus content determination. Aloe vera at 800 mg/kg significantly reduced the ulcer index from a mean of 9.4 in the ulcer control to 3.2. Gastric pH increased from 2.1 to 3.8 in the high-dose extract group, while mucus content increased significantly. Histopathology showed preserved gastric epithelial integrity in extract-treated groups. These findings support the gastroprotective potential of Aloe vera gel extract and suggest its value as an adjunct treatment for gastric ulceration in veterinary practice across Nigeria. Keywords: Aloe vera, gastroprotective, gastric ulcer, aspirin, rats.