Abstract
BackgroundAloe’s reported bioactivities (anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound healing) suggest they might inhibit a subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) called gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). The goal of the present study was to compare the MMP inhibitory potential of two Aloe species, A. vera and A. arborescens.MethodsDifferent types of extraction were tested and specific bioactive compounds were quantified. Cancer cell invasion inhibitory activities were measured in vitro using the wound healing assay in human colon cancer cells (HT29). Effects on gelatinase activities were further assessed by dye-quenched gelatin and gelatin zymography.ResultsDifferent types of extraction yielded significantly different levels of bioactivities and of bioactive compounds, which might be due to a greater amount of extractable bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones. Both A. arborescens and A. vera have potential as inhibitory agents in cancer cell proliferation via MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymatic activity inhibition, being able to reduce colon cancer cell proliferation and migration but A. arborescens showed to be a more effective inhibitor of cancer cell migration than A. vera.ConclusionThis work opens novel perspectives on the mode of action of Aloe species in cancer cell migration and may provide clues as to why there are so many conflicting results on Aloe’s activities.
Highlights
Aloe’s reported bioactivities suggest they might inhibit a subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) called gelatinases (MMP-2 and Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9)
The results indicate that a 2-day exposure to the 50% (v/ v) methanolic extract from both studied Aloe species did induce a significant reduction (p > 0.001) in cancer cell growth when compared to controls
Our results demonstrated that both A. vera and A. arborescens extracts inhibited MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymatic activities, especially towards MMP-9
Summary
Aloe’s reported bioactivities (anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound healing) suggest they might inhibit a subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) called gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Antagonist results arise frequently: whilst many papers described its anticancer properties [7, 8], others surprisingly claim A. vera is carcinogenic over a specific dose [9] or alert that specific compounds present in Aloe may be highly toxic if not taken under caution [10]. One reason for this could be the overall misidentification of the Aloe genus species, since current research supports that there are Aloe species that have more potent bioactivities than Aloe vera [11].
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