Aloe Extract Research Articles

Aqueous dispersions of ‘green’ silver nanoparticles for eco-applications: Synthesis, structure and biosafety

Sustainable agriculture requires the use of intelligent compounds with multifaceted effect on soil and plants. Such conditioners can be hydrogels enriched with nanoparticles, but only those synthesized using ‘green chemistry’ methods. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to synthesize and characterize innovative ‘green’ silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for agricultural applications. AgNPs were created using water or alcohol extracts of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus viminalisLabill) and aloe (Aloë arborescens Mill) as well as tannin to reduce silver ions (Ag+) to zero valent form (Ag0). The synthesis was conducted under autoclave conditions or at room temperature, in the presence of potassium carbonate. The AgNPs characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) method, whereas stability of the AgNPs suspensions under various conditions was estimated using turbidimetry. Biosafety of the formed species was determined based on genotoxicity (comet test) and cytotoxicity (study with crystal violet and MTT) assays. The obtained results confirmed the presence of zero valent silver phase in the nanoparticles and showed that their crystallite size was 14–24 nm, with different degrees of polydispersity depending on the synthesis conditions. Hydrodynamic diameter of AgNPs and their aggregates in the aqueous dispersions varied from 6 nm to 103 nm, and the smallest aggregation degree was noted for the nanoparticles synthesized using tannin. All synthesized nanoparticles were biosafe. Thus, they can be applied in agro-industrial processes without damaging the environment.

Morphological analysis of wound healing with the use of aloe extract, hydrogel and their combination (experimental research)

BACKGROUND: Currently, there remains a high incidence of skin damage due to trauma, chronic diseases, burns, so it is important to study the issues of regeneration and treatment of skin wounds. AIM: Conduct a morphological analysis of wound healing when using aloe extract, hydrogel and their combination in the experiment. METHODS:. The subjects of the study were 40 mature guinea pigs, which were divided into control and 4 experimental groups (independent wound healing, application of aloe extract, hydrosorb gel, layer-by-layer application of drugs). Histological skin preparations were prepared on days 7, 14, and 28 of the experiment. In each microslide, in 10 fields of view of the microscope at a magnification of x50, morphometric parameters were measured in micrometers (µm): the thickness of the purulent-necrotic scab, inflammatory (leukocyte) infiltrate, granulation tissue, the length of the newly formed epithelium on days 7, 14; the thickness of the epithelium, its length and the thickness of the connective tissue in the central part of the regenerate on the 28th day. All data were subjected to statistical processing. RESULTS: The use of drugs led to a decrease in the inflammatory reaction, acceleration of the formation of granulation tissue, and partial epithelization of the wound by the 7th day of the experiment, however, more pronounced signs of wound healing were observed with layer-by-layer application of aloe extract and hydrogel. The use of medications, regardless of the method of application, showed signs of more effective wound healing by day 14. Thus, the length of the epithelium increased by 1.2-1.6 times, the depth of granulation tissue by 1-1.2 times compared to the control. By the end of the experiment, all animals had complete closure of the wound defect with the formation of a scar, but in the experimental groups of the study there were signs of remodeling of the skin with appendages. CONCLUSION: Morphological analysis showed that the use of aloe extract, hydrosorb gel and their combination accelerates the wound healing processes of full-thickness skin wounds in the experiment.

Aloe and coconut extracts mediated CuInS2 nanoparticles induce apoptosis in non-small lung cancer cells (A549)

The most prevalent type of cancer found in the world is lung cancer. Furthermore, chemotherapeutic intervention for lung carcinomas is frequently associated with severe off-target effects. As a result, there is a worldwide push to investigate alternative medicines with superior tolerance profiles, such as natural compounds, to substitute routinely used chemotherapeutics. The purpose of this study is to examine the anticancer potential of aloe (S1) and coconut (S2) extract-mediated CuInS2 (CIS) nanoparticles against non-small cell lung carcinoma (A549) cells. S1 and S2 both efficiently showed a dose-proportionate cytotoxic effect on A549 cells, while causing negligible toxic effects on normal healthy lung cells (WI-38), indicating their safety against healthy cells. Reduced cell viability was validated by acridine orange and ethidium bromide double staining, demonstrating that apoptosis was induced in A549 cells treated with both nanoparticles. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced by both nanoparticles, leading to an increase in ROS generation. Both nanoparticles increased caspase-3, caspase-9, and caspase-8 levels in A549 cells. To summarize, both nanoparticles induced apoptotic cell damage in A549 cells by targeting mitochondria, causing increased ROS production, activating the caspase cascade, and inducing apoptosis. Aloe (S1) and coconut (S2) extract-mediated CIS nanoparticles may represent viable therapeutic options for lung cancer management.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of natural compounds on growth and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus.

Aspergillus species cause broad spectrum infections especially invasive lethal infections in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of plants and compounds including Aloe vera, Thyme, carvacrol, and nano-encapsulation of carvacrol on the growth and production of aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of extracts Aloe vera, Thyme, carvacrol, and nanocarvacrol, and fluconazole as a control were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute by serial microdilution protocol. Then, the effect of inhibitory concentrations of these compounds on the aflatoxin B1 production level was evaluated by real-time PCR and high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicate that the Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavusare sensitive to selected plants and compounds. Our findings showed that the compounds are appropriate alternative candidates against growth and production of aflatoxin of Aspergillus spp.

Aloe Vera-Based Concrete Superplasticizer for Enhanced Consolidation with Limestone Calcined Clay Cement

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is renowned for its outstanding workability and ability to seamlessly flow into intricate structures with minimal vibrations, achieved through the incorporation of chemical admixtures. This study pioneers an innovative approach by exploring the use of the cost-effective and readily available plant extract aloe vera mucilage (AVM) as a bio-admixture for SCC. The primary objective is to assess the impact of AVM on SCC formulations, including those comprising ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and blended cement LC3 (clinker 50%, calcined waste clay 30%, limestone 15%, gypsum 5%). AVM is applied at varying dosages at up to 10%. Findings reveal that LC3 exhibits lower consistency, reduced slump values, and extended initial and final setting times compared to OPC. With increasing plasticizer dosage, V-funnel and L-box values decrease. Notably, OPC samples with both plasticizers outperform LC3 in compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days. Significantly, a 2.5% AVM dosage demonstrates enhanced compressive strength in both OPC and LC3 samples. In summary, this research positions AVM as an innovative and comparable alternative to commercial plasticizers, contributing to reduced yield stress and increased slump flow in SCC.

The Natural Alternatives: The Impact of Plant Extracts on Snowbush (Breynia disticha Forst.) Cuttings’ Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics

The utilization of cuttings remains a prevalent method for vegetative propagation in various plant species. Synthetic rooting hormones have conventionally been employed to enhance the rooting process; however, their high cost and potential environmental risks have necessitated the exploration of natural alternative compounds. In this study, the efficacy of natural plant extracts (pure honey, aloe extract, willow extract, moringa extract, and cinnamon powder) and synthetic auxin derivatives (indole-3-butyric acid and α-naphthaleneacetic acid) at a concentration of 2000 ppm was compared for their influence on rooting and vegetative growth of snowbush (Breynia disticha) cuttings, a significant ornamental and medicinal shrub. Results demonstrated that while the synthetic hormones produced the highest survival percentages and root number, the roots were consistently short, thick, friable, and largely void of secondary roots. Conversely, the alternative natural plant extracts, particularly aloe extract, exhibited promising outcomes, showcasing good rooting percentage and root number, significantly increased root length, and fresh and dry root weight. Furthermore, aloe extract demonstrated the potential to enhance shoot length and alter the chemical constituents of the cuttings. The highest values of total phenols and nitrogen percentage were recorded with cuttings treated with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by cuttings treated with aloe extract. While using aloe extract, we recorded the highest values of total carbohydrates, phosphorus, and potassium percentages. Notably, the highest endogenous levels of indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid, along with the lowest abscisic acid concentration in cutting tissues, were associated with the highest rooting percentage observed with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by the use of aloe extract. We hypothesized that natural plant extracts, specifically aloe extract, have potential as a viable alternative for synthetic auxins in promoting successful rooting and vegetative growth in snowbush cuttings. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of these natural compounds in vegetative propagation techniques.

Comparison of aqueous extracts of Citrus × aurantium and Aloe vera L. as fungistatic control of Fusarium spp

Objective: To evaluate the fungistatic capacity of aqueous extracts obtained from Citrus × aurantium (sour orange) and Aloe vera L. on phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Fusarium spp. Design/Methodology/Approach: Three aqueous extracts were made (aloe peel, aloe peel and gel, and sour orange peel). The inhibition capacity in the in vitro growth of a Fusarium spp. strain was measured using the following concentrations: 750 µg/mL, 500 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 70 mg/mL, and 100 mg /mL in each extract. The control was sterile distilled water. The radial growth of the mycelium was measured daily, starting from the infected disc up to the edge of its diameter. Results: The following extracts recorded a good inhibitory response: 100- and 70-mg concentrations of aloe peel and gel in 1 mL of agar; 70-mg concentration of orange in 1 mL of agar; and 100-mg concentration of aloe peel in 1 mL of agar. Findings/Conclusions: The aqueous extract of aloe had a 47.5 % inhibitory potential in the radial growth of Fusarium.

THE USE OF THE ALOE PLANT FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES IN THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASES

Aloe is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the lily family and used for many medicinal purposes. The plants of the aloe family, widespread in the old world, are widely known and have been used in the health, cosmetic field as a natural component, local and oral therapeutics for centuries due to their healing and Skin Care Properties. Among the most commonly used types of aloe are A. arborescens, A. barbadensis, A. ferox and A. vera refers to. Today, the use of aloe extracts is economically important, they belong to medicinal plants and are widely used in primary health care, where they play a key role in the treatment of various types of diseases by modulating biochemical and molecular pathways, and they are also a rich source of valuable substances. Due to its antiinflammatory, antimicrobial and wound healing properties, aloe has traditionally been used to treat skin lesions (burns, cuts, insect bites and eczema) and digestive problems, the use of which is used as a basic or complementary treatment, among other methods. This medicinal plant is traditionally used and the effect is indicated by the presence of active compounds in the composition. In this review, the latest achievements of Botany, phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical use, food preservation and medicinal use of aloe plants in the treatment of various diseases will be shown. These data will be useful for determining future areas of industrial and medical use of aloe plants.

Development of a Polyherbal Topical Gel for the Treatment of Acne

The present work aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal gel using Aloe barbadensis and extract of Vigna radiata for the treatment of acne, a disorder of the skin in which hair follicles and sebaceous glands are blocked, causing inflammation and redness of the skin. Aloe barbadensis pulp was collected and mixed with the extract of Vigna radiata and formulated into a gel using Carbopol 940, triethanolamine, and propylene glycol as the gelling agent, viscosity modifier, and pH modifier, respectively. The gel was evaluated for its antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Antimicrobial agents, such as gentamycin and fluconazole, were used as the standards. The developed formulation showed promising zone of inhibition. The gel was further evaluated for its physicochemical properties. The formulation showed a promising effect on acne together with the additive effect of Aloe barbadensis on skin.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Aloe Barbadensis Miller, Curcuma Longa and Azadirachta Indica with Sodium Hypochlorite: An Invitro Study

Context: The thorough removal of microflora, debris, and irritants from the root canal system is necessary for root canal treatment to be effective. Herbal or natural products are becoming more popular recently as a result of their strong antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties
 Aims: To compare and evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of herbal extracts Aloe barbadensis miller, Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite against the Enterococcus faecalis .
 Settings and Design: Forty muller Hinton agar plates were taken as sample and were grouped into 4 groups as Group I: 2.5% NaOCl ,Group II: Curcuma longa extract ,Group III: Azadirachta indica extract, Group IV: Aloe barbadensis miller.
 Methods and Material: The agar plates were inoculated with strains of E.faecalis (ATCC29212) and test solutions were placed in agar wells in group 1-4. The agar plates were incubated at 37 0C for 72 hours. After incubating, the agar plates were examined for zone of inhibition for assessing the degree of susceptible or resistance of test organism.
 Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was performed using Oneway Anova test with statistical significance at P < 0.05.
 Results: It was shown that Curcuma longa was highly efficient similar to 2.5%NaOCl
 Conclusions: Curcuma longa extract has a significant antimicrobial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis similar to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite
 Key Messages: Herbal irrigants are best alternative to gold standard chemical endodontic irrigants. With their increase in antimicrobial properties, they aid in complete removal of endodontic microorganisms.

Aloe Extracts Inhibit Skin Inflammatory Responses by Regulating NF-κB, ERK, and JNK Signaling Pathways in an LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Macrophages Model.

Inflammation generally refers to the body's defensive response to stimuli, and skin inflammation is still one of the major problems that affect human physical and mental health. While current pharmacological treatments are reported to have cytotoxicity and various side effects, herbal medicines with few side effects and low cytotoxicity are considered as alternative therapeutic approaches. In order to investigate anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of ALOE, the potential cytotoxicity of A. vera extracts (ALOE) was determined in vitro at first. The production of the pro-inflammatory proteins (ie, IL-6, TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and ultraviolet A (UVA)-stimulated HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells were then treated with ALOE to test its inhibitory effects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ALOE, quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of inflammatory genes iNOS, COX-2 and NO production. For NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways analysis, Western blotting and nuclear fluorescence staining were used to evaluate the expression of key factors. ALOE did not exhibit obvious cytotoxicity (0-3 mg/mL) in vitro. ALOE was able to inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and functioned more prominently in LPS-induced model. ALOE could also suppress the mRNA expression of LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 and further down-regulate NO level. Furthermore, ALOE reduced the protein expression of P65 in NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressed LPS-induced activation of ERK and JNK, instead of p38 MAPK pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrated that ALOE is a potential treatment in suppressing LPS-stimulated inflammation reactions targeting NF-κB, JNK and ERK signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory effects of ALOE indicated that it has the potential to become an effective cosmetic ingredient.

Fabrication and performance evaluation of hand operated Aloe vera gel extractor

Aloe vera is one of the oldest known medicinal plants but it is now realized that many of its active constituent may be addressed in different ways by different formulations. A hand operated Aloe vera gel extractor was made. The adjusting screw was changed with its position and upper portion is covered. All components were assembled to make a hand operated Aloe vera gel extractor suitable for extracting gel from Aloe vera leaf on small scale. Leaf splitter method, roller squeezing method and whole leaf processing method are being used now days to extract Aloe vera gel on large scale production. But this hand operated Aloe vera gel extractor would aid the small-scale producers in easy production of the gel giving the consumers much pure and chemical free gel that than that extracted from different methods as mentioned above. Performance of this hand operated Aloe vera gel extractor was evaluated by extracting gel from 2 kg Aloe vera leaf which yields 1.4 kg of the gel. Hand operated Aloe vera gel extractor was also economically suitable for small scale farmers, who can grow Aloe vera plant and extract Aloe vera gel in small scale. It requires small capital for small and marginal farmers. This extractor also gives pure and chemical free Aloe vera gel. Moreover, the extractor could also be used for commercial and household purposes if sold as Aloe vera gel extracting machine in the market. The modified gel extractor was for evaluated for its performance.

Protective effect of fermented aloe extract on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 cells

ABSTRACT Excessive glutamate can cause oxidative stress in neuronal cells and this can significantly contribute to the etiology of neurodegenerative disease. The present study mainly aims to investigate that aloe extract (AE) and fermented aloe extract (FAE) could protect against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress. In this study, both AE and FAE showed potent neuroprotective activity by inhibiting ROS and Ca2+ concentration, increasing mitochondria membrane potential, and activating glutathione-related enzymes against glutamate-insulted neurotoxicity in HT22 cells. In addition, the neuroprotective activity of FAE was more potent than that of AE. HPLC analysis reveals that the chemical composition of FAE is different from that of AE. Especially, the contents of aloin A, aloin B and aloenin were higher in FAE than in AE. In conclusion, this study indicates that both AE and FAE may have effective neuroprotective activity in glutamate-insulted pathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease by managing oxidative stress.

Protective effect of aqueous crude extract of leaves Aloe vacillans and Yemeni honey (soumr) against CCl4 – induced hepatic damage in male Rabbits

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of honey and Aqueous crude extract of leaves Aloe vacillans on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced hepatotxicity in rabbits.
 Hepatotoxicity was induced in rabbits by intraperitoneal injection of (CCl4) 0.2 ml/kg of body weight on day 19, 20 and 21. The aqueous crude extract of Aloe vacillans leaves were administrated at dose 100 mg, 300 mg and 500 mg/kg of body weight pass orally ( p.o) daily for 28 days. The hepatotoxicity was induced in rabbits by intraperitoneal injection of (CCl4) 0.2 ml/kg of body weight on day 19, 20 and 21.
 The honey were administrated at dose 500 mg/kg of body weight pass orally (p.o) daily for 28 days. The hepatotoxicity was induced in rabbits by intraperitoneal injection of (CCl4) 0.2 ml/kg of body weight on day 19, 20 and 21. 
 The hepatotoxicity and its prevention was assessed by serum parameters like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin (Bil) and total protein (T.P). In CCl4 treated rabbits, a significant, increasing the in (ALT) ,(AST) , bilirubin and a decreasg the total protein levels were shown at (p<0.05), due to liver damage, when compared with normal group.
 Treatment with the aqueous extract of Aloe vacillans could significantly decrease the (ALT),(AST) and bilirubin, increased T.P in serum at p< 0.05 when compared with CCl4 –treated group.Treatment honey at dose (500 mg/kg) could significantly decrease the (ALT),(AST) and bilirubin, increased T.P in serum at p< 0.05 when compared with CCl4 –treated group and the aqueous extract of aloe treated groups.
 The data suggested that oral administration of Honey and aqueous extract of the leaves of Aloe vacillans at dose (500 mg/kg) significantly decreases the intensity of hepatic damage induced by CCl4 in rabbits.

Differences in Metabolite Composition of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extracts Lead to Differential Effects on Human Blood T Cell Activity In Vitro.

Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe) is used for diverse therapeutic properties including immunomodulation. However, owing to the compositionally complex nature of Aloe, bioactive component(s) responsible for its beneficial properties, though thought to be attributed to polysaccharides (acemannan), remain unknown. We therefore aimed to determine the metabolite composition of various commercial Aloe extracts and assess their effects on human blood T cell activity in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were stimulated polyclonally in presence or absence of various Aloe extracts. T cell phenotype and proliferation were investigated by flow cytometry. Aloe extracts were analyzed using targeted 1H-NMR spectroscopy for standard phytochemical quality characterization and untargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolite profiling. Aloe extracts differing in their standard phytochemical composition had varying effects on T cell activation, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell-death in vitro, although this was not related to the acemannan content. Furthermore, each Aloe extract had its own distinct metabolite profile, where extracts rich in diverse sugar and sugar-derivatives were associated with reduced T cell activity. Our results demonstrate that all commercial Aloe extracts are unique with distinct metabolite profiles, which lead to differential effects on T cell activity in vitro, independent of the acemannan content.

The water extract of Aloe vera prevents fluoxetine-induced multiple-drug resistance of E. coli by inhibiting reactive oxygen species formation and membrane permeability

BackgroundThe medication of synthetic chemical is one of the main treatments for depressive disorders. Different lines of evidence reveal that a long-term exposure to anti-depressants, e.g., fluoxetine, is causing multiple-drug resistance (MDR) of gut microbiomes. The MDR bacterial strains in gut pose a threat to intestinal balance and treatment of future microbial infection. Effective strategies are thus in urgent need to prevent the anti-depressant-mediated MDR of gut microbes. PurposeWe aimed to investigate the potential role of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (aloe; Liliaceae family) to prevent MDR of E. coli being co-cultured with fluoxetine. MethodsThe extract of A. vera was co-cultured with E. coli and fluoxetine to analyze the preventive effect of MDR. To figure out the mechanistic action, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of key biomarkers, including outer membrane proteins (OmpF and OmpC), superoxidative stress activator (SoxS) and efflux pumps (AcrA/B-TolC), were determined in E. coli being treated with fluoxetine and aloe extract. In addition, the genetic mutation of transcriptional factors of these biomarkers was determined in the fluoxetine-treated E. coli. ResultsThe water extract of A. vera showed considerable potential to reduce the number of fluoxetine-mediated MDR colonies. The extract robustly suppressed the formation of ROS in E. coli. However, thiourea and N-acetylcysteine, two well-known antioxidants, showed no activity in preventing the formation of bacterial MDR. Additionally, A. vera extract directly affected the fluoxetine-triggered early stress response of E. coli and the expression of downstream genes. Meanwhile, A. vera extract was able to inhibit the genetic mutation of SoxR gene in E. coli, as induced by co-cultured with fluoxetine. By fractionation of the aloe extract, the ethanol precipitate, composing mainly polysaccharides, showed robust activity in preventing the fluoxetine-mediated MDR. ConclusionThis study therefore suggested that the extract of A. vera could be an adjuvant agent to combat bacterial MDR during anti-depressant treatment.

Emodin from Aloe inhibits Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus in cell culture.

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus that causes severe diarrhea in neonatal piglets, leading to serious economic losses to the pig industries. At present, there are no effective control measures for SADS, making an urgent need to exploit effective antiviral therapies. Here, we confirmed that Aloe extract (Ae) can strongly inhibit SADS-CoV in Vero and IPI-FX cells in vitro. Furthermore, we detected that Emodin from Ae had anti-SADS-CoV activity in cells but did not impair SADS-CoV infectivity directly. The time-of-addition assay showed that Emodin inhibits SADS-CoV infection at the whole stages of the viral replication cycle. Notably, we found that Emodin can significantly reduce virus particles attaching to the cell surface and induce TLR3 (p < 0.001), IFN-λ3 (p < 0.01), and ISG15 (p < 0.01) expressions in IPI-FX cells, indicating that the anti-SADS-CoV activity of Emodin might be due to blocking viral attachment and the activation of TLR3-IFN-λ3-ISG15 signaling axis. These results suggest that Emodin has the potential value for the development of anti-SADS-CoV drugs.

High antibacterial and antioxidant cotton fabric based on AgNPs@HTCS and hyaluronic acid via lay by lay self-assembly

The fabrics of health care function have drawn increasing attention. Herein, AgNO3 was in-situ reduced into nano silver (AgNPs) by aloe extract (AVE) as reducing agent to gain AgNPs@hinokitiol-grafted chitosan (AgNPs@HTCS). The antibacterial and antioxidant cotton fabric were fabricated by LBL method using AgNPs@HTCS as positive layer and hyaluronic acid as negative layer. The results showed that the optimum preparation conditions of AgNPs@HTCS were as follows: AgNO3 10 mmol/L, HTCS 40 v/v %, AVE 15 mL, 80 °C, 6 h. MIC values of AgNPs@HTCS against S. aureus and E. coli attained 1.7 μg/mL and 5.3 μg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial ratio of cotton fabric reached the maximum 99.9 % at very low concentration of AgNPs@HTCS 0.25 g/L. After 3 LBL layers, the antibacterial properties of functional cotton fabric could withstand the acid or alkali washing. After 25 washing cycles, the antibacterial rate of LBL fabric still maintained above 96 %. Compared with the untreated fabric, antioxidant capacity of LBL functional cotton fabric raised approximately two times. LBL functional cotton fabric still retained the wear performances of the original fabric.

The use of Aloe barbadensis M. (Aloe vera) Extract as Potential Stains in Gram’s Staining Technique

Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe vera) aside being a potent antioxidant with effects attributed to the phytoconstituents (anthraquinone), can also serve as natural dyes. This study explored the staining potentials of A. barbadensis extract on microbial specimens in modified Gram’s staining technique. The plant was washed; shrubby edges of the leaves were scraped off and each leaf cut open to expel the gel content. The dried and grinded leaf material weighing 450g was treated with two different extraction methods (150g for heated alcoholic aloe extract (HAAE) and 150g each for the unheated alcoholic aloe extracts I &amp; II (UAAE-1 &amp; UAAE-II). Preliminary phytochemical screening of extracts using bontragers test was conducted. Solutions from the two extraction methods with and without a mordant were applied on bacterial smears. Anthraquinone-rich extract under optimal extraction conditions were 10.0, 4.84 and 18.8 respectively. Comparing the extraction methods, HAAE and UAAE1 &amp; UAAEII are mutually convenient and easy to make; but the former was more cost-effective with regards to power and instrumentation while the latter was more cost-efficient with regards to solvent. The pH of various prepared solutions was acidic and the extracts contained a bioactive agent that imparts pigment on biological specimens. In comparing the mordanted and non-mordanted solutions, the former had no additional effects on the staining efficiency of the aloe dye extract. We concluded that A. barbadensis dye visibly stained bacterial Gram positive and Gram negative cells in modified Gram’s staining without structural differentiations. We recommend reductions in staining duration for microbial samples to ascertain the reasons for the variation in staining uptake.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the natural product Shi-Bi-Man promotes hair regeneration by activating the FGF pathway in dermal papilla cells

BackgroundFinasteride and minoxidil are two commonly used drugs for the treatment of hair loss. However, these two drugs have certain side effects. Thus, the further elucidation of treatments for hair loss, including those using Chinese herbal medicine, remains important clinically. Shi-Bi-Man (SBM) is a hair health supplement that darkens hair and contains ginseng radix, tea polyphenols, polygonum multiflorum, radix angelicae sinensis, aloe, linseed, and green tea extract. PurposeThis study aimed to find potential effective monomer components to promote hair regeneration from SBM and to explore the mechanism of SBM to promote hair regeneration. MethodsSupplementation with the intragastric administration or smear administration of SBM in artificially shaved C57BL/6 mice, observe its hair growth. UPLC/MS and UPLC/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS detect the main components in SBM and the main monomers contained in the skin after smearing, respectively. A network pharmacology study on the main components of SBM and single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to explore the role of SBM for hair regeneration. ResultsSBM significantly induced hair growth compared with a control treatment. TSG and EGCG were the main monomers in the skin after SBM smearing. The results of single-cell sequencing revealed that after SBM treatment, the number of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs) increased significantly. Cell interactions and volcano dots show that the interaction of the FGF signaling pathway was significantly enhanced, in which Fgf7 expression was especially upregulated in DPCs. In addition, the Wnt signaling pathway also had a partially enhanced effect on the interactions between various cells in the skin. The network pharmacology study showed that the promotion of the FGF and Wnt pathways by SBM was also enriched in alopecia diseases. ConclusionWe report that SBM has a potential effect on the promotion of hair growth by mainly activating the FGF signaling pathway. The use of SBM may be a novel therapeutic option for hair loss.