Aloe Extracts, Pro and Antioxidant Conditions in Regeneration of the Planarian Girardia tigrina

Abstract

The regeneration of the planarian Girardia tigrina was evaluated over different oxidative conditions, as pro oxidant (H2O2), antioxidant (vitamin C) and using aloe gel. The aloes plants have a millennial medicinal use and the succulent portion of leaf, called aloe gel, is used for wound healing. Here we analyze the action of aloe gel obtained from two species: Aloe vera and A. arborescens. The results shows that ROS are important in the regeneration of G. tigrina and that the initial exposition to H2O2, soon after transection, accelerate the regeneration. However, during regeneration process an antioxidant medium, as containing vitamin C, promotes acceleration of regeneration, even if less intensely. Aloes extracts promotes acceleration of regeneration in this planarian. No differences were observed among portions of cells in phases of cell cycle, with exception of worms exposed to A.vera extracts at 0.4% that show more cells in G2 phases, suggesting a faster cell cycling. No toxic effect was observed for the aloes extracts in planarians. Instead, was observed an increase in the survival rate in treated animals.