Aloe Vera Treatment Research Articles

Modulation of endogenous stem cells markers in the periodontal ligament of dental rat post traumatic avulsion following Aloe vera gel exposure

This study was aimed to determine and observe the distribution of the stem cell markers, CD44, CD105, CD146, and Stro-1 in the PDL tissue of post-traumatic avulsion Wistar rats administered with Aloe vera gel. This research was scheduled with a posttest randomized controlled group design using Rattus norvegicus. The rats incisive teeth of the upper jaw were extracted. Rats were divided into two experiment groups (administered with Aloe vera) and control group (without Aloe vera) as acomparison. Following the post-extraction, each group was divided into four-time analysis of 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. After the rats dissection, the PDL tissues were analyzed by immune histochemistry using primary antibodies that are CD44, CD105, CD146 and Stro 1. The collected data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey HSD, Pearson Correlation and Regression Assay. The results indicated that there were significant differences in stem cell markers between the control group and the Aloe vera treatment group (p<0, 05) on 1, 3, and 7th day. Therefore, on 14th both day control groups and treatment groups were decreased. At the 7th day, the expression of each marker was significantly increased, with the highest expression level by Stro1 marker (p<0, 05). It indicated that the distribution of endogenous stem cells, as indicated by the Stro-1 expression, had the most significant periodontal ligament stem cells distribution. It can be further utilized as a biologic marker for PDL stem cells.

Short Period Starvation in Rat: The Effect of Aloe Vera Gel Extract on Oxidative Stress Status Ion

The main aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera gel extract on oxidative stress status during starvation. For this purpose, twenty-four mature male albino Wistar rats were housed in standard cages. In this study starvation cycle (rats were starved for two days and then were fed for one day) was used. This study was performed during short period (20 days).Animals were divided into four experimental groups (six rats in each group): 1) normal control; 2) starved rats+water/ethanol; 3) starved rats+hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract (100 mg/kg); 4) starved rats+hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract (200 mg/kg). Blood samples were obtained using cardiac puncture. In blood samples, antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), antioxidant trace elements including copper, zinc and manganese and antioxidant vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C were measured. Plasma levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx and catalase) significantly decreased in starved rats+water/ethanol group (P 0.05). Plasma levels of vitamin A and E in normal control group had no significant difference with starved rats+water/ethanol and starved rats+hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract in the 100 and 200 mg/kg dose groups (P>0.05). Plasma level of vitamin C significantly decreased in starved rats+water/ethanol group (P<0.05). Plasma level of vitamin C after treatment with hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg were significantly increased (P<0.05). Our results shown that short term starvation caused an increase in oxidative stress via impairing of antioxidant defense and Aloe vera treatment is able to improve antioxidative defense induced by starvation.

Effects of Aloe Vera on Spinal Cord Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury of Rats

ABSTRACTAim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of aloe vera (AV) on ischemia–reperfusion injury (I/R) of spinal cord in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 28 Wistar Albino rats were divided into four random groups of equal number (n = 7). Group I (control) had no medication or surgery; Group II underwent spinal cord ischemia and was given no medication; Group III was administered AV by gastric gavage for 30 days as pre-treatment; Group IV was administered single dose intraperitoneal methylprednisolone (MP) after the ischemia. Nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated. Tissue samples were examined histopathologically and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) protein expressions were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results: NRF1 and SOD levels of ischemia group were found to be lower compared to the other groups. MDA levels significantly increased after I/R. Treatment with AV and MP resulted in reduced MDA levels and also alleviated hemorrhage, edema, inflammatory cell migration and neurons were partially protected from ischemic injury. When AV treatment was compared with MP, there was no statistical difference between them in terms of reduction of neuronal damage. I/R injury increased NF-κB and nNOS expressions. AV and MP treatments decreased NF-κB and nNOS expressions.Conclusions: It was observed that aloe vera attenuated neuronal damage histopathologically and biochemically as pretreatment. Further studies may provide more evidence to determine the additional role of aloe vera in spinal cord ischemia reperfusion injury.

The effect of aloe vera on ischemia--Reperfusion injury of sciatic nerve in rats.

Aloe vera is compound which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the neuroprotective role of aloe vera treatment in rats with experimental sciatic nerve ischemia/reperfusion injury. Twenty-eight male Wistar Albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups. Groups; Control group (no surgical procedure or medication), sciatic nerve ischemia/reperfusion group, sciatic nerve ischemia/reperfusion+aloe vera group and sciatic nerve ischemia/reperfusion+methylprednisolone group. Ischemia was performed by clamping the infrarenal abdominal aorta. 24 hours after ischemia, all animals were sacrificed. Sciatic nerve tissues were also examined histopathologically and biochemically. Ischemic fiber degeneration significantly decreased in the pre-treated with aloe vera and treated with methylprednisolone groups, especially in the pre-treated with aloe vera group, compared to the sciatic nerve ischemia/reperfusion group (p<0.05). A significant decrease in MDA, an increase in NRF1 level and SOD activity were observed in the groups which obtained from the AV and MP groups when compared to the sciatic nerve ischemia/reperfusion group. When all results were analysed it was seen that the aloe vera group was not statistically different compared to the MP group (p>0.05). Aloe vera is effective neuroprotective against sciatic nerve ischemia/reperfusion injury via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also aloe vera was found to be as effective as MP.

Long Period Starvation in Rat: The Effect of Aloe Vera Gel Extract on Oxidative Stress Status

Objective: Starvation have pro-oxidative effect as a consequence of both elevated ROS generation and defeat in neutralization of ROS. Aloe vera juice induced oxidative stress and significantly decreased antioxidant enzymes levels. The main aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera gel extract on oxidative stress status during long period starvation Method: Twenty-four mature male albino Wistar rats were housed in standard cages. In this study starvation cycle (rats were starved for two days and then were fed for one day) was used. This study was performed during intermediate period (60 days).Animals were divided into four experimental groups (six rats in each group): 1) normal control; 2) starved rats + water/ethanol; 3) starved rats + hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract (100 mg/kg); 4) starved rats + hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract (200 mg/kg); 5) Without starvation with hydro-alcoholic Aloe Vera gel extract (100 mg/kg); 6) Without starvation with hydro-alcoholic Aloe Vera gel extract (200 mg/kg). Blood samples were obtained using cardiac puncture. In blood samples, antioxidant enzymes including SOD, GPx and catalase, antioxidant trace elements including copper, zinc and magnesium and antioxidant vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C were measured Results: Plasma levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD,GPX and catalase) significantly decreased in starved rats + water/ethanol group (P 0.05). Plasma levels of vitamin A and E in normal control group had no significant difference with starved rats + water/ethanol and starved rats + hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract in the 100 and 200 mg/kg dose groups (P > 0.05). Plasma level of vitamin C significantly decreased in starved rats + water/ethanol group (P < 0.05). Plasma level of vitamin C after treatment with hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Also, plasma level of vitamin C in normal rats (without starvation) after treatment with hydro-alcoholic Aloe vera gel extract at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg was significantly increased (P < 0.05) Conclusion: In concluding our results it is shown that intermediate period starvation caused an increase in oxidative stress via impairing of antioxidant defense and Aloe vera treatment is able to improve antioxidative defense induced by starvation

Aloe vera affects changes induced in pulmonary tissue of mice caused by cigarette smoke inhalation

This study was undertaken to determine the influence of Aloe vera (AV) on changes induced in pulmonary tissue of cigarette smoke (CS) inhaling mice. CS inhalation for 4 weeks caused pulmonary damage as evident by histoarchitectural alterations and enhanced serum and tissue lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. CS inhalation also led to increased mucin production as revealed by mucicarmine and Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Studies on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (balf) of CS exposed animals revealed structural changes in phospholipids and increase in surface tension when compared with control counterparts. These changes were accompanied by enhanced nitric oxide (NO) levels, citrulline levels, peroxidative damage, and differential modulation of antioxidant defense system. AV administration (seven weeks, 500 mg/kg b.w. daily) to CS inhaling mice led to modulation of CS induced pulmonary changes as revealed by lesser degree of histoarchitectural alterations, lesser mucin production, decreased NO levels, citrulline levels, peroxidative damage, and serum LDH activity. AV treatment to CS inhaling mice was associated with varying response to antioxidant defense system, however balf of CS + AV treated animals did not exhibit appreciable changes when compared with that of CS exposed animals. These observations suggest that AV has the potential to modulate CS induced changes in the pulmonary tissue which could have implications in management of CS associated pulmonary diseases, however, further investigations are required to explore its complete mechanism of action.

Aloe vera attenuated gastric injury on indomethacin-induced gastropathy in rats.

To evaluate the protective effects of Aloe vera on gastric injury in rats with indomethacin (IMN)-induced gastropathy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control, n = 6) was given distilled water (DW) orally. Group 2 (IMN, n = 6) was given oral IMN (150 mg/kg) dissolved in 5% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3 (-)) at time 0 and 4 h. Group 3 (Aloe vera-treated, n = 6) was given oral Aloe vera (150 mg/kg) dissolved in DW and IMN at time 0 and 4 h. Eight hours later, the stomach was removed to determine gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), the number of interleukin (IL)-18 positive stained cells (%) by immunohistochemistry, and for histopathological examination. Then, the serum was collected to determine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. In the IMN group, serum TNF-α, CINC-1 and gastric MDA were significantly increased when compared to the control group (27.78 ± 1.52 pg/mL vs 85.07 ± 49.11 pg/mL, P = 0.009; 104.55 ± 45.80 pg/mL vs 1054.70 ± 20.38 pg/mL, and 1.74 ± 0.21 nmol/mg vs 9.36 ± 1.07 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000, respectively). The mean level of TNF-α, CINC-1 and gastric MDA in the Aloe vera-treated group were improved as compared with the IMN group (85.07 ± 49.11 pg/mL vs 35.19 ± 1.61 pg/mL, P = 0.021; 1054.70 ± 20.38 pg/mL vs 813.56 ± 239.04 pg/mL, P = 0.025; and 9.36 ± 1.07 nmol/mg vs 2.67 ± 0.64 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000, respectively). The number of IL-18 positive stained cells (%) in the gastric epithelial cells of the IMN group was significantly higher than the control group (5.01% ± 3.73% vs 30.67% ± 2.03%, P = 0.000, respectively). In contrast, Aloe vera treatment decreased the number of IL-18 positive stained cells (%) significantly when compared with the IMN group (30.67% ± 2.03% vs 13.21% ± 1.10%, P = 0.000, respectively). Most rats in the IMN group developed moderate to severe gastric inflammation and erosions. The gastric erosions and neutrophil infiltration scores were significantly reduced in the Aloe vera-treated group. Aloe vera attenuated IMN-induced gastropathy in rats by the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and improvement of gastric histopathology.

USING ALOE VERA AS A PREHARVEST TREATMENT TO MAINTAIN POSTHARVEST ORGANIC TABLE GRAPE QUALITY

Organic table grape production has several disease and decay problems mainly due to Botrytis cinerea fungus. These problems are enhanced when the crops are located in wet areas or seasons, and with late cultivars grown in southern Spain. The effect of Aloe vera treatment applied preharvest under high relative humidity conditions on organic ‘Crimson Seedless’ table grape was evaluated. The use of A. vera reduced the microbiological counts at harvest (especially moulds), and this reduction was maintained during post-harvest storage. Additionally, the changes in quality parameters, such as firmness and colour during postharvest were reduced with the preharvest A. vera treatment. Furthermore, the percentage of rotten berries per cluster at the end of storage was lower in A. vera-treated (3%), compared with control fruit (13%).

Protective Effect of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Miller) on Erythrocytes Anion Transporter and Oxidative Change

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of aqueous extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) on oxidative damage and Anion Exchanger 1 (AE1, also known as Band 3) expression in human erythrocytes exposed to the water soluble free radical initiator 2.2’-azobis-2-amidinopropano dihydrochloride (AAPH). In addition, total phenolic compounds in the extracts were determined as catechin equivalent and the various antioxidant activities were compared to natural and synthetic standard antioxidants such as BHA and ascorbic acid. Since Aloe vera extract did not cause a consumption of the cytosolic antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) when it was direct incubated with GSH in basic aerated aqueous solution, this indicates that Aloe vera extract does not proceed auto oxidation at this experimental condition. Furthermore, Aloe vera extract prevent the consumption of GSH, in radical treated RBCs. It also inhibit consumption of GSH when it was direct incubated with AAPH. Aloe vera gel extract inhibits the generation of diphenyl-2-picrylhy-drazyl (DPPH) and the scavenging activity was increased in a dose dependent manner. Aloe vera extract was shown the similar reducing power than standards BHT and ascorbic acid. Biochemical analysis by SDS-PAGE and western blotting showed that AAPH-induced oxidative stress increased the susceptibility of AE1 to proteolytic degradation. Of note, our data evidenced that Aloe vera treatment was able to partially restore the normal RBC membrane protein profiles in a dose-dependent manner. These results clearly demonstrate the antioxidative activity of Aloe vera gel extract that might be ascribed to a synergistic action of the bioactive compounds contained therein.

Hepatotherapeutic Effect of Aloe Vera in Alcohol-induced Hepatic Damage

There is a lack of reliable hepatotherapeutic drugs in modern medicine in the management of alcohol/drug-induced liver damage. Aloe vera extract has been used in folklore medicine for its medicinal values. This study evaluates the hepatotherapeutic activity of aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; the negative control, positive control and the extract-treated groups. The negative control received only distilled water daily. The positive control received alcohol, while the extract-treated group received aqueous extract of Aloe vera and alcohol. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the positive control and extract-treated rats with alcohol. The hepatotherapeutic effect was evaluated by performing an assay of the serum total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate and alanine transaminases and liver histopathology. Alanine transaminase activities were comparable in all groups. Alcohol treatment alone significantly (p < 0.05) increased total serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate transaminase activities. Alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction was abrogated by Aloe vera extract. Histopathological examination revealed that alcohol induced hepatic damage. Aloe vera treatment maintained hepatic architecture similar to that seen in the control. This study shows that aqueous extract of Aloe vera gel is hepatotherapeutic and thus lends credence to the use of the plant in folklore medicine in the management of alcohol-induced hepatic dysfunction.

A Randomised, Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled Study of Aloe vera in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Effects on Patient Quality of Life.

Background. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, difficult to treat condition. The efficacy of Aloe vera in treating IBS symptoms is not yet proven. The purpose of this study was to determine if Aloe vera is effective in improving quality of life. Methods. A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, cross-over placebo controlled study design. Patients were randomised to Aloe vera, wash-out, placebo or placebo, washout, Aloe vera. Each preparation (60 mL) was taken orally twice a day. Patient quality of life was measured using the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Score, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life, EuroQol and the Short-Form-12 at baseline and treatment periods 1 and 2. Results. A total of 110 patients were randomised, but only 47 completed all questionnaires and both study arms. Statistical analysis showed no difference between the placebo and Aloe vera treatment in quality of life. Discussion. This study was unable to show that Aloe vera was superior to placebo in improving quality of life. Drop outs and other confounding factors may have impacted on the power of the study to detect a clinically important difference. Conclusion. This study failed to find Aloe vera superior to placebo in improving quality of life proven Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients.

Phytomodulatory potentials of Aloe vera against Salmonella OmpR‐mediated inflammation

Mediators released during inflammatory response play an essential role in eliminating microbes or microbial products. However, the uncontrolled release of cytotoxic substances characterized by extensive inflammation may adversely affect normal tissues. Under such conditions it is important to manage the hyperinflammation in order to change the clinical manifestations of the disease. Accordingly, the present study was designed to evaluate the modulation of Salmonella OmpR mediated inflammation by Aloe vera, a plant known to contain antiinflammatory ingredients. It was observed that outer-membrane proteins (OMPs) extracted from the wild type strain of S. typhimurium caused inflammation of greater magnitude compared with the OMPs extracted from its mutant construct as evident from the oedema test as well as the hyperalgesic (flicking) response of the animals under experimental conditions. However, Aloe vera applied topically, administered intraperitoneally or in combination modulated the inflammatory response. The maximum effect was observed with the combined formulation indicating modulation at local as well as systemic levels. The results reveal that this modulation could be due to the potential of Aloe vera to decrease peroxidative damage via a decrease in the levels of monokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6) and an increase in the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, the presence of SOD in Aloe vera itself might be responsible for enhancing its levels in the macrophages. On the other hand, no significant change in the catalase activity was observed by Aloe vera treatment. The use of Aloe vera, therefore, seems to have a promising role in the modulation of Salmonella OmpR mediated inflammation.

Effects of Aloe vera and sucralfate on gastric microcirculatory changes, cytokine levels and gastric ulcer healing in rats

To compare the effects of Aloe vera and sucralfate on gastric microcirculatory changes, cytokine levels and gastric ulcer healing. Male Spraque-Dawley rats (n=48) were divided into four groups. Group1 served as control group, group 2 as gastric ulcer group without treatment, groups 3 and 4 as gastric ulcer treatment groups with sucralfate and Aloe vera. The rats from each group were divided into 2 subgroups for study of leukocyte adherence, TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels and gastric ulcer healing on days 1 and 8 after induction of gastric ulcer by 20% acetic acid. On day 1 after induction of gastric ulcer, the leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule was significantly (P<0.05) increased in the ulcer groups when compared to the control group. The level of TNF-alpha was elevated and the level of IL-10 was reduced. In the ulcer groups treated with sucralfate and Aloe vera, leukocyte adherence was reduced in postcapillary venule. The level of IL-10 was elevated, but the level of TNF-alpha had no significant difference. On day 8, the leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule and the level of TNF-alpha were still increased and the level of IL-10 was reduced in the ulcer group without treatment. The ulcer treated with sucralfate and Aloe vera had lower leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule and TNF-alpha level. The level of IL-10 was still elevated compared to the ulcer group without treatment. Furthermore, histopathological examination of stomach on days 1 and 8 after induction of gastric ulcer showed that gastric tissue was damaged with inflammation. In the ulcer groups treated with sucralfate and Aloe vera on days 1 and 8, gastric inflammation was reduced, epithelial cell proliferation was enhanced and gastric glands became elongated. The ulcer sizes were also reduced compared to the ulcer group without treatment. Administration of 20% acetic acid can induce gastric inflammation, increase leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule and TNF-alpha level and reduce IL-10 level. Aloe vera treatment can reduce leukocyte adherence and TNF-alpha level, elevate IL-10 level and promote gastric ulcer healing.

Postharvest sweet cherry quality and safety maintenance by Aloe vera treatment: A new edible coating

A novel edible coating based on Aloe vera gel, accordingly to our developed patent (SP Patent Filed P200302937), has been used as postharvest treatment to maintain sweet cherry quality and safety. During cold storage, uncoated fruit showed increases in respiration rate, rapid weight loss and colour changes, accelerated softening and ripening, stem browning and increased microbial populations, these processes being more intense during the shelf life periods. On the contrary, sweet cherry treated with A. vera gel significantly delayed the above parameters related to postharvest quality losses, and storability could be extended. The sensory analyses revealed beneficial effects in terms of delaying stem browning and dehydration, maintenance of fruit visual aspect without any detrimental effect on taste, aroma or flavours. As far as we aware, this is the first time A. vera gel is used as an edible coating in fruit, which would be an innovative and interesting means for commercial application and as alternative of the use of postharvest chemical treatments.

Influence of aloe vera on the healing of dermal wounds in diabetic rats

The positive influence of Aloe vera, a tropical cactus, on the healing of full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats is reported. Full-thickness excision/incision wounds were created on the back of rats, and treated either by topical application on the wound surface or by oral administration of the Aloe vera gel to the rat. Wound granulation tissues were removed on various days and the collagen, hexosamine, total protein and DNA contents were determined, in addition to the rates of wound contraction and period of epithelialization. Measurements of tensile strength were made on treated/untreated incision wounds. The results indicated that Aloe vera treatment of wounds in diabetic rats may enhance the process of wound healing by influencing phases such as inflammation, fibroplasia, collagen synthesis and maturation, and wound contraction. These effects may be due to the reported hypoglycemic effects of the aloe gel.

Aloe vera and the inflamed synovial pouch model.

Administration of air under the skin produced a pouch wall that closely resembled a synovium in that the inner lining was made up of macrophages and fibroblasts. Administration of 1% carrageenan directly into the 7-day-old air pouch produced an inflammation characterized by an increased number of mast cells in pouch fluid as well as an increase in wall vascularity. A punch biopsy weight of the pouch wall did not reveal an increase in 1% carrageenan-treated animals. However, a 10% Aloe vera treatment of carrageenan-inflamed synovial pouches reduced the vascularity 50% and the number of mast cells in synovial fluid 48%. The pouch wall punch biopsy weight was increased by A. vera, which was verified by histologic examination of the inner synovial lining. Aloe vera stimulated the synovial-like membrane, as evidenced by an increased number of fibroblasts, suggesting that A. vera stimulated fibroblasts for growth and repair of the synovial model. The synovial air pouch can be used to study simultaneously the acute anti-inflammatory and fibroblast stimulating activities of A. vera.