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THE EFFECT OF CRUDE OF ALOE BARBADENSIS ON SOME HEMOSTATIC PARAMETERS OF FED ON THERMOXIDIZED PALM OIL DIETS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as aloe vera, has long been recognized for its medicinal properties and therapeutic potential, particularly in traditional and complementary medicine. Aloe vera is a succulent plant species that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves filled with a clear gel-like substance (Javadi et al., 2020). This gel has been the focus of numerous scientific studies due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and polysaccharides, which have been shown to exert various health benefits (Audeh et al., 2020). Among these benefits, the potential effects of aloe vera on hemostatic parameters have garnered attention, particularly in relation to dietary influences, such as the consumption of thermoxidized palm oil.

Hemostasis, the process that prevents and stops bleeding, is a critical physiological function involving a complex interplay between blood vessels, platelets, and plasma proteins (Furlan et al., 2021). Disruption of this process can lead to various pathological conditions, including excessive bleeding or thromboembolic disorders, emphasizing the importance of understanding factors that influence hemostatic parameters. Diet plays a significant role in modulating these parameters, with various oils contributing to the risk of cardiovascular diseases and altering blood coagulation (Mason et al., 2019). Thermoxidized palm oil, which results from the repeated heating of palm oil, has been implicated in adverse health effects, including alterations in lipid profiles and hemostatic function (Adebiyi et al., 2021).

Research indicates that thermoxidized oils can promote oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to impaired endothelial function and changes in platelet aggregation (Oguntibeju et al., 2019). This highlights the necessity for dietary interventions to mitigate these effects, such as the inclusion of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents like aloe vera. Previous studies have suggested that aloe vera possesses anticoagulant properties, which could counteract the adverse effects of thermoxidized oils on hemostasis (Mohammed et al., 2020). The combination of aloe vera and thermoxidized palm oil diets thus presents a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between these dietary factors and their collective impact on hemostatic parameters.

In light of the increasing consumption of palm oil, particularly in tropical countries, understanding the effects of thermoxidized palm oil on health becomes paramount. While several studies have investigated the toxicological effects of thermoxidized palm oil, limited research has focused on its implications for hemostatic function, particularly when combined with aloe vera. By examining the effects of crude aloe vera on hemostatic parameters in subjects fed thermoxidized palm oil diets, this study aims to bridge this knowledge gap and provide valuable insights into potential dietary strategies for mitigating the adverse health effects associated with thermoxidized oils.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The rising popularity of palm oil in the culinary practices of many tropical regions has raised concerns regarding the health implications of consuming thermoxidized palm oil, particularly its impact on hemostatic parameters. Studies have indicated that the consumption of thermoxidized oils can lead to altered blood coagulation profiles, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events or bleeding disorders (Khan et al., 2019). Despite the documented adverse effects of thermoxidized palm oil, limited research has been conducted to investigate potential protective dietary interventions, such as the incorporation of aloe vera into the diet. Given aloe vera's established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its effectiveness in ameliorating the negative impacts of thermoxidized palm oil on hemostatic function remains largely unexplored. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap and evaluate the effects of crude aloe vera on hemostatic parameters in subjects consuming thermoxidized palm oil diets.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of crude aloe vera on some hemostatic parameters in subjects fed thermoxidized palm oil diets. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of crude aloe vera on platelet aggregation in subjects consuming thermoxidized palm oil.

ii. To determine the changes in coagulation profiles (prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time) in subjects fed thermoxidized palm oil diets supplemented with crude aloe vera.

iii. To find out the antioxidant capacity of crude aloe vera and its correlation with hemostatic parameters in subjects on thermoxidized palm oil diets.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the effect of crude aloe vera on platelet aggregation in subjects consuming thermoxidized palm oil?

ii. What is the impact of crude aloe vera supplementation on the coagulation profiles of subjects fed thermoxidized palm oil diets?

iii. How does the antioxidant capacity of crude aloe vera correlate with hemostatic parameters in subjects on thermoxidized palm oil diets?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide insights into the dietary management of hemostatic disorders, particularly those associated with the consumption of thermoxidized palm oil. By elucidating the effects of crude aloe vera on hemostatic parameters, this research could contribute to developing dietary strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse health effects associated with thermoxidized oils. Additionally, the findings may offer a scientific basis for incorporating aloe vera into nutritional guidelines, promoting its use as a functional food with therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, this study could pave the way for further research exploring the role of natural products in modulating hemostatic function, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study will focus on assessing the effects of crude aloe vera on hemostatic parameters in subjects fed thermoxidized palm oil diets. The research will be conducted within a controlled laboratory setting, utilizing specific hemostatic tests such as platelet aggregation assays, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assessments. The study population will include adult subjects, with appropriate ethical considerations in place. The research will specifically investigate the correlation between the antioxidant capacity of crude aloe vera and the observed changes in hemostatic parameters. Limitations regarding the generalizability of findings due to the controlled environment will be acknowledged.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

The study may encounter several limitations that could affect the results and their interpretation. Firstly, the controlled laboratory setting may not fully replicate real-world dietary patterns, potentially limiting the applicability of findings to broader populations. Secondly, variations in the composition of thermoxidized palm oil and crude aloe vera, influenced by factors such as sourcing and preparation methods, could introduce variability in the outcomes. Additionally, the sample size may be limited due to practical constraints, which could affect the statistical power of the study. Finally, potential confounding factors, such as pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle choices of the subjects, may influence the hemostatic parameters measured, necessitating careful consideration in data interpretation.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera): A succulent plant known for its medicinal properties, particularly the gel derived from its leaves, which contains various bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential (Javadi et al., 2020).

Hemostasis: The physiological process that prevents and stops bleeding, involving a complex interaction between blood vessels, platelets, and plasma proteins (Furlan et al., 2021).

Thermoxidized Palm Oil: Palm oil that has undergone repeated heating, leading to the formation of harmful compounds and alterations in its chemical composition, which may adversely affect health (Adebiyi et al., 2021).

Platelet Aggregation: The clumping together of platelets in the blood, which is an essential step in the formation of a blood clot (Mason et al., 2019).

Coagulation Profile: A series of blood tests that evaluate the coagulation system and assess the time it takes for blood to clot, including prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (Khan et al., 2019).

Antioxidant Capacity: The ability of a substance to neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative stress, which is crucial for maintaining cellular health (Audeh et al., 2020).

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