Articles published on Aloe Vera
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- New
- Research Article
- 10.36721/pjps.2026.39.7.reg.190.1
- Jul 1, 2026
- Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
- Belma Gozde Ozdemir + 5 more
Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a key factor in cervical carcinogenesis. Immune-mediated mechanisms play a central role in viral clearance, leading to interest in immunomodulatory supportive therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between intravaginal Aloe barbadensis use and HPV clearance in HPV-positive women. This retrospective observational study included 251 HPV-positive women aged ≥30 years. Of these, 164 received intravaginal Aloe barbadensis-containing vaginal capsules for 10 days, while 87 received no immunomodulatory treatment. HPV-PCR and cytological results were evaluated at baseline and after one year of follow-up. HPV clearance was observed in 45.7% of patients in the Aloe barbadensis group and 36.8% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.219). Subgroup analyses based on smoking status and HPV genotype also revealed no significant differences in clearance rates. Intravaginal Aloe barbadensis use was not associated with a statistically significant improvement in HPV clearance. The findings highlight the complexity of HPV persistence and suggest that single-agent immunomodulatory interventions may have limited clinical impact.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13346-025-01959-w
- Jul 1, 2026
- Drug delivery and translational research
- Joseph Kyana + 10 more
The prolonged use of conventional steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as laxatives, often leads to severe adverse effects and toxicity, posing significant health risks. To address these challenges, we formulated a novel therapy based on (multi)metallic nanoparticles (MMNPs) green-synthesized from agricultural by-products, namely plantain peels (Musa paradisiaca) and Aloe vera gel. The MMNPs were characterized through UV-visible spectrophotometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS), revealing nanoparticle sizes between 250 and 400nm. These MMNPs were incorporated into effervescent suppositories using Mangifera indica almond butter as a base to facilitate rectal administration and induce laxative effects in situ. The anti-inflammatory and laxative properties of the MMNPs were evaluated in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) used as animal model, in which inflammation and constipation were induced by formaldehyde and loperamide, respectively. Remarkably, at 60min, the effervescent suppositories loaded with MMNPs and MMNPs enriched with ash demonstrated inhibition rates of 74.13% and 69.39%, respectively, for paw edema, outperforming the reference drug indomethacin, which showed an inhibition rate of 73.27%. Furthermore, the effervescent suppositories effectively triggered a laxative response, combating constipation with notable efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of green-synthesized MMNPs derived from Musa paradisiaca peels and Aloe vera gel as a promising, eco-friendly therapeutic alternative for managing both inflammation and constipation, minimizing the risk of side effects associated with conventional treatments.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1002/jbt.70973
- Jul 1, 2026
- Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology
- Mounime Kadi + 12 more
This study investigates the antihypertensive, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects of Aloin following Langendorff rat isolated heart technique, the main bioactive compound of Aloe vera L., using both experimental (The myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model, the determination of endogenous myocardial antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological examination of myocardial tissue) and computational approaches. To contextualize its potential, Aloin's activity was compared with Verapamil, a standard cardiovascular drug that, despite its efficacy, is limited by side effects and contraindications, particularly in patients with heart failure or hypersensitivity. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Aloin exerts significant cardioprotective and antihypertensive effects in a dose-dependent manner, in some cases matching or surpassing the efficacy of Verapamil. Aloin improved cardiac performance, as shown by increased left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and decreased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP). It also enhanced antioxidant defenses by elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while reducing oxidative stress, evidenced by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Complementary POM analyses confirmed Aloin's non-toxic profile and identified pharmacophoric features underlying its bioactivity. Collectively, these findings highlight Aloin's strong potential as a natural therapeutic agent for hypertension and cardiovascular protection, warranting further clinical evaluation.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13205-026-04908-7
- Jul 1, 2026
- 3 Biotech
- S Anitha + 1 more
Keratin was extracted from human hair waste and incorporated with neem-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), carboxymethyl cellulose, and aloe vera to fabricate a transparent nanocomposite film. The extracted keratin exhibited a characteristic protein peak and porous morphology, while AgNPs demonstrated a surface plasmon resonance at 430-460nm with spherical shape (< 100nm). The fabricated film demonstrated high transparency (75.67 ± 0.57%), moderate porosity (63.38 ± 0.61%), and a high swelling ratio (818.36%), supporting moisture retention; its surface pH (5-6) and water vapor transmission rate (1799 ± 43g/m²/day) favouring a moist healing environment, with 36.23% biodegradation over 28 days. The film showed potent bactericidal and antibiofilm properties towards S. pyogenes, E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa, antioxidant activity (TPC 24.22mg GAE/g, DPPH 71.31%, ABTS 63.55%), and anti-inflammatory effects (BSA 68.69%, egg albumin 92.91%, RBC 66.69%). Cytocompatibility on HaCaT and L929 cells (IC₅₀ = 155 and 251µg/mL) confirmed the film's safety and regenerative potential. Overall, the fabricated biodegradable, bioactive, and cytocompatible composite film provides a multifunctional platform for wound healing by preserving moisture, reducing inflammation and infection, and promoting the regeneration of tissue. Future studies focusing on in vivo validation and long-term biocompatibility are important to confirm the film's scalability, sustainability, and clinical applicability.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.30574/wjarr.2026.30.3.1373
- Jun 30, 2026
- World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews
- Maureen Ohehuna Adoga + 4 more
Efficacy of plant-based extracts on shelf life and postharvest quality of stored mango fruits was carried out. The experiment was laid out in a CRD with a 2 x 3 factorial experiment replicated 3 times. Healthy mango fruits of two varieties (Julie and Mabrouka) were harvested at harvest maturity and treated by immersing into three treatments Aloe vera gel, Aloe vera bark and a control. The fruits allowed to stay until the fruits were completely coated with the extracts, the stored at ambient temperature. Data obtained from the study was subjected to ANOVA, means were separated using (F-LSD) at 5% level of probability. The study results showed that plant-based extracts had significantly higher (≤0.05) effects on Weight Change, Total Soluble Solids (TSS) (°Brix), Firmness (N/cm), Lycopene (mg/100g), pH, Titratable Acidity (TA) (%), Decay Percentage (%) and Shelf-Life of stored mango fruits as compared to the control. There was no significant difference (≥0.05) in the interaction effect of variety and plant-based on postharvest weight change of fruits at 1 and 3WAS but significant effect was recorded on 0, 2 and 4WAS. TSS of fruits steadily increased in storage, however, the main effect of plant-based extracts as well as the interaction effect of variety and plant-based extracts on the TSS of mango fruits during storage was not significant only on OWAS. At the end of the storage Julie treated with Aloe vera gel (24.70) (°Brix), recorded the highest TSS. At the end of the storage, decay percentage of the untreated fruits was (18.78%), while fruits treated with Aloe vera extract (5.00%) and bark of Aloe vera (15.00%). These botanicals are environmentally friendly, cost effective, easy to produce and safe for consumers. Bio-based extracts of Aloe vera gel and Bark are recommended in the storage of flesh mango fruits.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1021/acs.analchem.6c00568
- Jun 30, 2026
- Analytical chemistry
- Jiaxun Li + 7 more
Plant-derived foods are a vital component of the human diet, but they pose health risks due to the potential presence of anthraquinones (AQs) and their derivatives, and long-term intake of these substances can lead to health issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method to rapidly and simultaneously detect seven AQs, including AQ, emodin, rhein, chrysophanol, aloe emodin, alizarin, and purpurin. In this study, four haptens were designed based on the common parent nucleus structure of the seven AQs combined with computer-aided simulation analysis. MD was used to analyze the recognition mechanism between AQ mAb-4D7 and the seven AQs, revealing that key amino acid residues (TRP90, ASP99, and TYR31) in the complementarity-determining region of the antibody maintain broad-spectrum recognition of AQs through the combined effects of Pi-Pi stacking, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Based on AQ mAb-4D7, gold nanoparticles based on lateral flow immunoassay (GNP-LFIA) was developed for detecting the seven AQs in tea, aloe vera, and herbal drinks, with calculated limits of detection of 7.282-34.112 μg/kg, 5.536-27.338 μg/kg, and 5.025-26.319 μg/kg, respectively. In real sample detection, the method exhibited high consistency with the results of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirming the accuracy and stability of GNP-LFIA and providing a reliable technical tool for the on-site rapid screening of multiple AQs in plant-derived foods.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1080/03639045.2026.2695097
- Jun 25, 2026
- Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy
- Abdulsalam A Alqahtani + 10 more
Objective Green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the aqueous extract of fruit waste, investigating their antioxidants, antimicrobial, anticancer, and wound healing properties. Significance: This study presents an eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO NPs that repurpose organic fruit waste, contributing to sustainable practices in nanomaterial production. The potential applications of ZnO NPs as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents, as well as their role in wound healing are explored. Methods ZnO NPs were synthesized using the aqueous extract of fruit waste, and were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX. Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed on A549 lung carcinoma cells, and antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A gel formulation containing chitosan and Aloe vera (CS-AV)/ZnO NPs was evaluated for wound healing in an infected wound model. Results The synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited nanoscale size, good colloidal stability, and polygonal morphology. They demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, dose-dependent cytotoxicity against A549 cells, and significant antibacterial effects. Incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CS-AV gel markedly enhanced wound healing, achieving complete wound closure by day 21. Histopathological analysis further confirmed improved tissue regeneration, as evidenced by reduced inflammation, increased fibrosis, and well-developed collagen formation. Conclusion Fruit waste-derived ZnO nanoparticles offer promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound healing properties.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1080/20415990.2026.2692882
- Jun 24, 2026
- Therapeutic delivery
- Andrea Ximena Esparza Monroy + 7 more
This study aimed to develop and evaluate a ternary co-encapsulation system based on electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers containing Aloe vera extract, methylglyoxal (MGO), and collagen for multifunctional wound-healing applications with controlled therapeutic delivery. Electrospun nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Swelling, degradation, and in vitro release profiles were evaluated under physiological conditions. Release kinetics were analyzed using Korsmeyer-Peppas and Weibull models. Antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was assessed according to JIS Z 2801. Cytocompatibility was evaluated using human fibroblast cultures following ISO 10993-5 guidelines. The co-encapsulated nanofibers exhibited homogeneous morphology with fiber diameters of 350-500 nm and preserved bioactive agents´ integrity. The system showed a biphasic release profile, with rapid Aloe vera release (~80% within 4 h) followed by sustained MGO and collagen release up to 160 h. Release behavior involved coupled diffusion, polymer relaxation, and partial matrix dissolution. The ternary system demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, achieving approximately 99.4% inhibition of E. coli, while maintaining excellent cytocompatibility with cell viability above 100%. The ternary co-encapsulation strategy synergistic antimicrobial and regenerative effects through controlled multi-agent delivery in electrospun PVA wound-dressing platforms.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.4081/dr.2026.10496
- Jun 24, 2026
- Dermatology reports
- Nur Hikmah Fajriani + 5 more
Xerosis is a prevalent skin disorder among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). While both Aloe vera cream 30% and urea cream 20% have been shown to improve skin hydration in cases of xerosis cutis, direct comparisons between the two are limited. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of both creams in treating xerosis cutis in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (CKD-HD). A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 35 eligible CKD-HD patients. Each patient received either urea cream 20% or A. vera cream 30%, which was applied to both their left and right arms. Skin moisture was assessed weekly using corneometer readings and overall dry skin (ODS) scores over 4 weeks. The present study reveals that both treatments significantly increased corneometer readings and decreased ODS scores compared to baseline (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the two creams (p>0.05). In conclusion, A. vera cream 30% and urea cream 20% demonstrate similar effectiveness in improving skin moisture for patients with xerosis cutis associated with CKD-HD.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12906-026-05444-w
- Jun 23, 2026
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies
- Yemane Tadesse Desta + 2 more
Traditional medicine remains a crucial component of primary healthcare in Ethiopia. This study assessed phytopharmaceutical practices and integrative health perspectives among traditional herbal practitioners in Tigray, Ethiopia. A community-based mixed-method cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2024 among 58 purposively selected traditional herbal practitioners across five zones in Tigray. A semi-structured interviews, observational assessments and medicinal plant specimen documentation were employed. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content. The findings revealed that the mean age of practitioners was 56.5 years, with males constituting 62.07% participants. Most of the practitioners' experience exceeded 20 years and practiced herbal remedy on a part-time basis. A total of 22 medicinal plant species were documented for the treatment of infectious, physical and spiritual illnesses. Leaves (47.80%), roots (23.80%) and stem barks (16.41%) were the most extensively used plant parts. Greater informant consensus was observed for gastrointestinal disorders (ICF = 0.95) and respiratory diseases (ICF = 0.86). Fidelity level analysis indicated strong agreement on the utilization of Osimum lamifolium for respiratory disorders (93.1%), Ruta chalepensis for gastrointestinal ailments (92%) and Aloe vera for skin infections (90%). Formal education (OR = 6.00, p = 0,046), both family influence and experiential source of knowledge (OR = 11.67, p = 0.032), and prior training (OR = 3.82, p = 0.015) were significantly associated with openness towards integration with modern healthcare systems, whereas older age was reversibly associated with integration willingness (OR = 0.17, p = 0.05). Environmental degradation (98.28%), knowledge erosion (96.55%), lack of formal recognition (89.66%), and inadequate documentation (87.93%) were cited as major challenges to the sustainable practice of traditional medicine. In conclusion, the findings underscore the significance of traditional herbal medicine in community healthcare of Tigray. However, inadequate documentation, environmental factors and poor regulatory framework threatens sustainability of the knowledge. Improving documentation systems, regulatory frameworks and culturally sensitive integration strategies may enhance the sustainability and integration of traditional herbal medicine with the modern healthcare system.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3290/j.ohpd.c_2697
- Jun 19, 2026
- Oral health & preventive dentistry
- Frederic Meyer + 3 more
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of natural ingredients used in toothpastes and gels in improving gingival health. A comprehensive search strategy using different databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the use of natural ingredients for improving gingival health. Included studies focussed on outcomes measuring gingival health parameters, such as gingival index (GI), or bleeding on probing (BoP). Out of 249 identified studies, 10 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Formulations included natural ingredients from plant extracts such as Aloe vera or Pudilan, and hydroxyapatite (as tooth-like calcium phosphate). The meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in gingival health when natural ingredients were used compared to control toothpastes and gels (p=0.0051). These findings suggest that natural ingredients may offer comparable or superior efficacy to conventional oral care products in terms of gingival health. Notably, Aloe vera and hydroxyapatite consistently demonstrated clinical benefits. Natural ingredients used in oral care products represent a promising strategy in gingivitis prevention and management. Their use in toothpastes and gels may therefore provide clinicians and patients with evidence-based, well-tolerated alternatives or adjuncts to conventional formulations for maintaining and improving gingival health.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1038/s41598-026-58053-5
- Jun 19, 2026
- Scientific reports
- Annu Devi + 2 more
Copper oxide nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their notable roles in catalysis, sensing technologies, and biomedical research. In the present work, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were prepared through a green synthetic strategy employing aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Aloe vera as natural reducing and capping agents. This plant-assisted approach offers an eco-friendly, economical, and sustainable substitute for traditional chemical synthesis routes that often involve hazardous reagents. Comprehensive characterization techniques were used to confirm nanoparticle formation and evaluate their properties. FTIR analysis showed a distinct Cu-O stretching band near 542cm- 1, verifying the formation of copper oxide. XRD patterns confirmed the crystalline nature of the particles, with an average crystallite size of about 26.3nm. Microscopic studies (SEM and TEM) revealed nanoscale particles mainly distributed between 20 and 50nm with an average particle size of approximately 34nm. Elemental analysis by EDX verified copper and oxygen as the dominant elements, with weight percentages of 77.51% and 22.49%, respectively, confirming the successful formation of CuONPs, while Zeta potential measurements revealed a zeta potential value of 4.93 mV with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.454, indicating moderate colloidal stability and a relatively broad particle size distribution of the synthesized CuONPs. Biological investigations demonstrated strong activity, with over 70% inhibition observed in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays at higher concentrations. Additionally, CuONPs exhibited highest antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis with zone of inhibition 23 ± 0.6mm. Theoretical studies using density functional theory and molecular docking supported the experimental findings. Collectively, the study highlights the promising biomedical potential of green-synthesized CuONPs.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s11259-026-11325-x
- Jun 19, 2026
- Veterinary research communications
- Afaf N Abdel Rahman + 9 more
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly virulent bacterium that causes morbidity and mortality in fish farming practices. Therefore, the current work is accounted as a pioneer trial to assess Aloe vera or Barbados aloe gel (BAG, 8mg/L) as an antimicrobial agent against P. aeruginosa infection in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). In addition, hematological, biochemical, blood electrolytes, and histopathological investigations were applied, alongside tissue antioxidant response. For this, fish (n = 160) were arranged into four sets (control, BAG, P. aeruginosa, and P. aeruginosa-BAG), with four replicates (40 fish/set) for 15 days. The outcomes exhibited hematological-biochemical disruptions with high mortality (42.50%) resulting from P. aeruginosa challenge. This is evidenced by lowering hematological parameters (red and white blood cell count, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and neutrophils, lymphocytes) and elevation of hepatic enzymes (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases). In addition, stimulation of stress response (high cortisol and glucose), hyperkalemia, and lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde level) were obvious in the P. aeruginosa group. This was besides hyponatremia and inactivation of antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase) of the skin, gills, and liver. These tissues also exhibited histopathological abnormalities, including epithelial desquamation, tissue hyperplasia, necrosis, leukocytic infiltration, vascular congestion, and cellular degeneration following P. aeruginosa infection. Conversely, watery exposure to BAG palliated these changes induced by P. aeruginosa. It improved blood profiles, electrolytes, and hepatic enzymes while boosting tissue antioxidant activity and regenerating the histopathological structure of skin, gills, and liver. This alleviation led to decreased mortality (12.50%). Taken together, the current report confirmed P. aeruginosa 's pathogenicity. It highlighted the promoting activity of aqueous addition of BAG (8mg/L) as an antibacterial agent, besides its privileges for enhancing fish health for sustaining aquaculture.Clinical trial number: not applicable.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.150102
- Jun 18, 2026
- Food chemistry
- Shuvojit Roy + 5 more
Aloe vera pectin composite coatings enriched with tea polyphenols: a sustainable strategy for postharvest preservation of oyster mushrooms.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s10620-026-10049-x
- Jun 17, 2026
- Digestive diseases and sciences
- Mark R Baniqued + 3 more
While the exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear, interactions among several complex mechanisms are thought to contribute to its pathogenesis. One such factor is diet, which has recently been investigated for its role in both IBD pathogenesis and treatment. This review examines the evidence regarding diet, nutrition support, and dietary supplements for managing IBD. The diets discussed include low fiber/residue, Crohn's Disease exclusion, Specific Carbohydrate, Mediterranean, Anti-Inflammatory, Autoimmune Protocol, low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), lactose-free, and gluten-free diets. Nutrition support options include enteral nutrition, partial enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition. These modalities can be considered in specific situations, such as perioperative nutrition, protein-calorie malnutrition, and induction of remission. Dietary supplements studied for managing IBD include prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and aloe vera, which may be beneficial in managing IBD. Some challenges to consider in the dietary management of IBD include food avoidance, food insecurity, and cultural practices. When contemplating initiating one of these options, input from a multidisciplinary gastroenterology team should be considered.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153051
- Jun 15, 2026
- International journal of biological macromolecules
- Yan Wang + 7 more
Preparation methods, structural characterization, pharmacological properties, and potential industrial utilization of polysaccharides from Aloe vera: A review.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153050
- Jun 14, 2026
- International journal of biological macromolecules
- Megha Dhiman + 6 more
Functional regeneration of complex ballistic trauma via herbal extract and antibiotic loaded multilayered nanofibrous hydrogel scaffold.
- Research Article
- 10.1111/idh.70110
- Jun 10, 2026
- International journal of dental hygiene
- Ming Xu + 4 more
Orthodontic patients are at an elevated risk for gingivitis due to the challenges of maintaining oral hygiene with fixed appliances. This network meta-analysis evaluates the comparative effectiveness of various mouthwashes in managing gingivitis among these patients. To assess the efficacy of different mouthwashes on Plaque Index and Gingival Index scores in orthodontic patients, utilizing both direct and indirect evidence from randomized controlled trials. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid, and grey literature for studies published up to November 2024. Only randomized controlled trials involving mouthwash use in orthodontic patients were included. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers and the methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Nine RCTs involving 376 participants were included. Aloe vera and Persica showed the highest SUCRA values (both 91.7%), followed by Chlorhexidine and NaF (74.4%). In the PI network, Persica ranked highest (90.0%), followed by Aloe vera (77.6%) and Chlorhexidine and NaF (74.8%). For PI, node-splitting identified two estimable comparisons and did not detect significant inconsistency between direct and indirect evidence. For GI, no estimable node-splitting comparison was available in the final network. Within the limitations of the available evidence, Aloe vera and Persica ranked highest for reducing gingival inflammation, while Persica ranked highest for reducing plaque accumulation in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously because the evidence base was limited and heterogeneous. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42023472995) on 27/10/2023.
- Research Article
- 10.25258/ijddt.16.48s.110
- Jun 8, 2026
- International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
- Shivani Sharma + 3 more
Encapsulation of a hydrophilic drug into a polymeric matrix always remains a challenging process due to poor loading and retention capacity. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the popular bioactive compounds present in green tea. EGCG is a potent natural antioxidant and have anti-inflammatory activity. Several factors limit the use of EGCG in pharmaceutical sectors, including its short shelf life, instability, inefficient permeability, gastrointestinal tract degradation, and hydrophilic nature of EGCG. Fenugreek seeds are well known to stimulate hair growth by interfering with the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is bound to hair follicles and is categorized as one of the primary reasons for hair loss. Aloe vera has long been known as a versatile plant rich in bioactive compounds such as vitamins A, C, and E, proteolytic enzymes, minerals, and essential amino acids that nourish the scalp, strengthen hair roots, and stimulate new hair growth. Therefore, there is a need to develop new strategies for precise delivery of water-soluble drugs while maintaining their original physical and functional properties Nanosponge loaded aloe vera gel is the combination of aloe vera gel and nanoparticles exhibiting both properties, i.e., controllable drug release, high stability in physiological media, enhanced cellular uptake, extended half-life in systemic circulation, and enhanced drug targeting. Ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were used as polymer and emulsifier/stabilizer, for the synthesis of nanosponge in the present study. Effects of EC: PVA ratio and stirring speed were optimized using a three-level two-factor FFD using Design-Expert Software. The final optimized EGCG-FSE loaded nanohydrogels were evaluated for particle size, encapsulation efficiency and morphological and drug release studies.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/polym18111406
- Jun 5, 2026
- Polymers
- Witwisitpong Maneechan + 8 more
A composite hydrogel scaffold comprising chitosan, silk fibroin, Aloe vera extract, and Mimosa complex was fabricated and thoroughly characterized. Upon freeze-drying, the scaffolds displayed a uniform cylindrical geometry with a highly porous, interconnected polymeric network. Quantitative image analysis revealed a mean pore diameter of 43.09 ± 2.27 µm alongside an overall porosity of 61.4 ± 6.2%. ATR-FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed successful inclusion of the complex formation and the incorporation of all constituents into the final formulation. The scaffold exhibited a compressive modulus of 46.63 ± 22.71 kPa (dry) and 5.40 ± 3.73 kPa (hydrated), with a swelling ratio of 756.62 ± 114.08%, supporting its suitability for physiological applications. TGF-β3 loading via adsorption yielded an entrapment efficiency of approximately 79.18%, reflecting effective physical immobilization throughout the polymer matrix. Cytocompatibility was subsequently assessed using an indirect contact model combined with an MTT assay, both of which confirmed that TGF-β3-loaded scaffolds exerted no cytotoxic effects on chondrocytes. After 28 days in culture, scanning electron microscopy revealed pronounced cell adhesion, preservation of rounded cell morphology, and ECM deposition along pore walls and throughout interconnected channels. Immunofluorescence analysis further demonstrated a time-dependent accumulation of aggrecan and collagen type II within the three-dimensional scaffold architecture. Collectively, these findings suggest that the developed composite hydrogel scaffold is well-suited for cartilage-related in vitro culture applications.