Aloe Research Articles

Evaluation of the effect of plant nursing formulation on rabbit with mannitol- induced phlebitis

Objective To research the best plant treatment formulation of flos carthami,aloe vera and potato on mannitol-induced phlebitis in rabbits. Methods Using mannitol-induced phlebitis model in rabbits,the experimental groups contained simple dosage and mixture of three plants,the control groups were blank control group and 95％ ethanol group.The curative effects of phlebitis treatment were observed between groups. Results The curative effect of aloe vera and potato mixture group was the best compared with other groups. Conclusions All of the three plants have good curative effects on mannitol-induced phlebitis,and the best plant treatment formulation was aloevera and potato mix-using. Key words: Mannitol; Phlebitis; Plant formulation; Curative effect

A herbal cream consisting of Aloe vera, Lavandula stoechas, and Pelargonium roseum as an alternative for silver sulfadiazine in burn management

Background: Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) is the most used topical agent for the treatment of burn wounds. However, it has some side effects such as delayed and incomplete epithelialization, generation of black scars, and limited penetration to the depth of a wound. Objective: The present study investigated the efficacy of herbal combination cream containing Aloe vera gel and essential oils of Lavandula stoechas and Pelargonium roseum in the alleviation of symptoms in patients with superficial second-degree burns and comparison of its effects with those of SSD 1% cream. Methods: One hundred eleven patients with second-degree burns (occurring in the preceding 48 hours and affecting Results: Both groups experienced a significant reduction in the pain severity at day 14 compared to baseline (p 0.05). There was a single case of infection in the herbal cream group, which cleared with continuation of treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the herbal cream used here is superior to SSD 1% cream in the alleviation of pain and may serve as a natural alternative for treatment of second-degree burns. Keywords: Aloe vera, burn wound, Lavandula stoechas, Pelargonium roseum, silver sulfadiazine

Antimicrobial activity of different Aloe barbadensis Mill. and Aloe arborescens Mill. leaf fractions

The interest on Aloe based natural products is fast growing during recent years, particularly regarding their nutraceutical and antimicrobial properties. However, the information available on this item is limited and discrepancies can be found in literature. In this work, the antimicrobial properties of Aloe barbadensis Miller and Aloe arborescens Miller dermal and inner gel leaf fractions on the growth of five microorganisms were studied. Generally, gram positive were more susceptible than gram negative microorganisms and a lower activity of all fractions against the beneficial Saccharomyces boulardii was observed. Albeit the antimicrobial effect of pure anthraquinones aloin and aloe emodin was confirmed, a higher activity was observed for the methanol/ethyl acetate extracts of epidermis and for the water extract of the gel. A synergistic effect of several compounds, additional to the anthraquinones considered, should therefore be supposed. Conclusively, the Aloe extracts had an antimicrobial activity which is strongly related to the plant species and leaf fraction considered and which is a function of the microorganism considered. Key words: Anthraquinones, acemannan, diffusion disc method, tandem mass spectrometry.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus concentration on plant growth and phenols in micropropagated Aloe vera L. plantlets

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and different phosphorus (P) concentrations on growth and phenolic concentration inAloe vera L. plantlets obtained from micropropagation. Plantlets were multiplied in vitro, acclimatized and inoculated with Glomus claroideum or Glomus fasciculatum at three P concentrations, that is, 0.3, 0.6 or 0.9 mM P. After 90 days in ex vitro, plant height, number of leaves, mycorrhization percent, fresh and dry weight, and total phenol, flavonol and flavanone concentrations in leaves was determined. Inoculating A. vera plantlets with G. fasciculatum reduced plant fresh and dry weight compared to the plants inoculated with G. claroideum or left uninoculated. The concentration of flavonols and flavanones increased whenA. vera plantlets were inoculated with both AMF with the largest increase found in G. fasciculatum. Mycorrhization percent decreased with increased P and the concentration of flavanones was lower in plants fertilized with 0.9 mM P than in those with 0.3 or 0.6 mM P. Key words: Flavonols, flavanones, Glomus claroideum, Glomus fasciculatum, total phenol concentration.

Effects of fertilizer on morphological traits in Aloe vera

This experiment was conducted at the Institute of National Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Iran to evaluate the effect of different amount of fertilizers on the leaf and plant characteristics as well as yield of Aloe vera. There were 6 different treatments viz., T1 = 100% soil (control), T2 = 100 PK (50% P + 50% K), T3 = 50% K + 50% soil, T4 = 50% N + 50% soil, T5 = 150% NPK (50% N + 50% P + 50% K, T6 = 50% P + 50% soil. It was observed that the plant produced highest mature leaf length and number of tillers plant -1 and maximum leaf weight, as well as weight of largest leaves with application of 50% P+ 50% K (T2). Different plant characters such as mature leaf breadth and breadth of the largest leaf was also found to be highest with T5 treatment over control (100% soil). The number of leaves was also significantly affected by different fertilizer treatments where maximum effect was noticed at early stages with T4 (50% N). It was revealed that T3 had a little effect on number of leaves ofA. vera over chemical fertilizer. Key words: Aloe vera, fertilizer, morphological traits, leaf growth.

Biological research advancement in Aloe

Aloe, a genus belonging to Aloaceae family, is distributed throughout the world and has rich medical ingredients. At present, Aloe has been widely applied in many aspects for human being. In this paper, we introduced briefly its basal biological characteristics, including germplasm resources, growth habit, active ingredients and biological functions, and discussed deeply its research development in cytology and molecular biology. This knowledge stated here is beneficial for understanding and exploring its potential medical and edible values more sufficiently. Key words: Aloe, medical plant, cytology, molecular biology.

Histopathological Effects of Aloe barbadensis and Soybean Oil on Rat Liver

Aloe Barbadensis, una especie de Aloe vera, es una planta popular usada por el comun de las personas y tambien en la medicina alternativa. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los efectos del Aloe Barbadensis y aceite de soya en el higado. Para el estudio se emplearon ratas Wistar hembras Albino y se dividieron en 3 grupos: grupo control I sin tratamiento; grupo II A. barbadensis disuelta en aceite de soja (25 mg / dia), y grupo III tratado solo con aceite de soja (500 mg / dia). Fueron extraidas biopsias del lobulo derecho del higado de las ratas y luego se analizaron con microscopio de luz. En el grupo I el higado de las ratas era normal. En los grupos II y III, se observo aumento del tamano nuclear, leve aumento de la cromatina y degeneracion hidropica y binucleacion en algunos hepatocitos. La histologia hepatica mostro la congestion en las venas porta, sinusoides y las centrales. En el grupo III, la congestion venosa portal y en el Grupo II la congestion sinusoidal fue evidente. Ademas, el Grupo III revelo infiltracion de plasmocitos en areas portales. El uso de soja con Aloe Barbadensis es sinergista y aumenta cada uno de otros efectos. Infiltraciones mononucleares en el grupo III determinan la reaccion inflamatoria. Sin embargo, no observamos infiltracion mononuclear en el Grupo II, este mostro efectos antiinflamatorios de la Aloe Barbadensis. Esto determina que, dependiendo de la dosis usada de Aloe Barbadensis, los efectos toxicos pueden cambiar. Si es usado en altas dosis Aloe Barbadensis puede producir efectos toxicos en los hepatocitos.

In vivo antiplatelet aggregatory activity of Aloe vera juice on mice cerebral micro vessels

Aloe vera plant (A. vulgari and A. barbadensis) has being used traditionally as a medicinal plant for centuries. Gel from the inner central zone of the leaves and latex from pericyclic cells are used for medicinal purposes. The present study was conducted to elucidate the beneficial effects of Aloe vera juice on the platelet aggregation in cerebral microvessels of mice. Male mice were injected with Saline (control) or Aloe vera juice (0.2 ml/30 g b.w.) one hour before the experiment. Animals were anaesthetized and trachea was intubated. Craniotomy was performed and a window was opened on the left side of the skull. Layer of dura was removed. Brain surface microvessels were exposed and animal was placed on the microscope stage. Microscope was connected to a monitor and VCR to record all events. Exposed brain surface was continuously irrigated with ACSF solution. After the body temperature was maintained at 37?C, Sodium fluorescein (2%, 0.1 ml/10 g) was injected i.v. through tail injection. After 30 seconds, high intensity mercury light was switched on to induce platelet aggregation photochemically. Appearance of first platelet aggregation and total blood flow stop were timed in seconds. Data was statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. Our results show that in the animals treated with Aloe vera juice, venule as well as arteriole platelet aggregation timings were significantly delayed (p

The effect of Aloe vera on morphine withdrawal signs in mice

Aloe vera is a herbal medicine for skin therapeutical objects. Many products like pomade, cream, gel, and shampoo for skin injuries have been made from this plant. Sometimes, the powder of this plant has also been used by mothers to keep out their infants from breast-feeding. In some of the books, this plant has been introduced as an opioid–receptors antagonist. In this study, 30 male mice (45-50 g) were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups (n = 6). All of them received morphine sulphate (120 mg/kg, s.c., 3 times daily) for 3 days. Control group only received morphine. Treated-groups received Aloe vera (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, IP) and morphine daily for 3 days. clonidine group received clonidine (3 mg/kg, IP) and morphine daily for 3 days. At the end of session (4th day), all of the groups received naloxone (5 mg/kg, IP) and, then morphine withdrawal signs (jumping, climbing, diarrhea) were studied for 30 minutes. Our results show that 10 mg/kg of Aloe vera is the most effective dose for treatment of morphine withdrawal signs, especially for reduction of diarrhea and its effect on diarrhea was better that clonidine effect.

In-vitro studies on lectin derivatives of Aloe excelsa (Berger)

Current traditional remedies for cure in various ailments including skin treatments have been on the increase. Aloe excelsa has been noted to be used extensively by indigenous people for sun burns, burns, sores as well as a systemic remedy. The agglutination activity by A. excelsa has been credited to the presence of lectins or lectin like derivatives. Aloctin A from A. excelsa was tested against rat, rabbit and human serum, a positive reaction with human α-2-macroglobulin was observed. Furthermore, activities as an anti-tumor agent as well as wound healing properties have been validated. Key words: Aloe excelsa, lecitins, agglutination, traditional use.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Aloe ferox Mill. aqueous extract.

Pharmacological activities of leaf gel and pulp of Aloe ferox have been extensively evaluated. However, there is scanty information on the pharmacological activities of the whole leaf of A. ferox. Carrageenan, histamine and formaldehyde-induced rat paw oedema were conducted to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of A. ferox whole leaf aqueous extract. Tail flick, formalin and acetic acid tests were conducted to assess the analgesic activity of the plant. A. ferox exhibited highest anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in the highest dose (400 mg/kg) tested. This dose level exerted highest anti-inflammatory activity; 78.2 and 89.3% for carrageenan and formaldehyde-induced rat paw oedema, respectively. The analgesic activity was 57.1 and 67.3% for the 400 mg/kg dose in phase 1 and 2, respectively of formalin test and 88.2% in acetic acid test. A. ferox reduced inflammation and relieved pain in rats at the highest dose level studied. This supports the extensive use of the plant as an antihelmintic reducing the inflammation and pain that might have been caused by gastro-intestinal parasite infections. Key words: Leaf extract, pain reduction, oedema inhibition.

Quantitative 1H-NMR spectrometry method for quality control of Aloe vera products.

An 1H-NMR spectrometry method was developed and validated to quantify acetylated polysaccharides, glucose, malic acid, lactic acid, and acetic acid in Aloe vera products. Nicotinamide was selected as an internal standard (IS) in this quantification method. The quantity of marker compounds was calculated by the relative ratio of the integrals of each compound to the IS. The method validation included specificity, linearity, accuracy, robustness, reproducibility, LOD, and LOQ on two samples--A. vera inner leaf standard and decolorized aloe whole leaf Standard from the International Aloe Science Council. Eighteen A. vera commercial products were analyzed with this NMR spectrometry method.

Aloe; Beyond use as cosmetics

Aloe; Beyond use as cosmetics

Inflammatory bowel disease induced by intracolon instillation of acetic acid: screening study of the effects of different natural drugs

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is an autoimmune disease associated with altered immunological response, genetic susceptibility and intestinal microflora disorders. The main clinical manifestations are abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucous bloody and purulent stools, recurrent attacks, and relapse. The mainstream treatment of patients with IBD has been the use of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory drugs and antibiotics to relieve the symptoms. However currently available drugs are not universally effective and cause considerable adverse effects particularly for long-term therapy. Therefore, there is a pressing need for research that leads to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of IBD. In this context, as a phytotherapic approach, the effects of different plant extracts with anti-inflammatory properties were here investigated in a model of experimental colitis in rat. One hour after induction of colitis by intracolonal instillation of 4% (v/v) acetic acid, extracts of Coriandrum sativum L., Helichrysum italicum Dom., Aloe vera L., Cynara scolymus L., Zingiber officinalis Rosc., Boswellia carteri, Pistacia lentiscus L. (1000 mg/Kg) or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), the last used as a reference drug, were orally administered. Body weight changes, fecal boli, occurrence of diarrhoea and well-being of the animals were examined 24 hour after induction of colitis. The severity of colitis was assessed by evaluating the macroscopic and microscopic changes of damaged colon and by the measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The analyses showed that the treatment with Coriandrum sativum L., Helichrysum italicum Dom., Aloe vera L., Cynara scolymus L., Zingiber officinalis Rosc. reduced ulceration and inflammation of colon and countered mieloperoxidase activity elevation. Moreover these extracts reduced microscopic damage as indicated by the decrease of neutrophil infiltration. The present results point out a protective effect of these extracts in experimental rat colitis induced by intracolon instillation of acetic acid, a reliable model for screening agents to potential benefits in IBD. Further studies are needed to better characterize the effect and the possible mechanism(s) of action of these extracts.

Anti sickling potential of Aloe vera extract IV: Effects of acidic, basic and neutral metabolites on the gelling and sickling of human HBSS erythrocytes

The effects of acidic, basic and neutral metabolites from A. vera extract on the sickling and gelling time of human HbSS erythrocytes were investigated. The study showed that the various metabolites inhibited sickling in vitro and increased gelling time of HbSS blood samples. Moreover, a significant increase in the number of unsickled erythrocytes was observed for the acidic metabolites. The abilities of the metabolites to revert already sickled erythrocytes to their normal morphology was highest for the acidic metabolites, but non–existent for the neutral metabolites, which appeared to be toxic to the HbSS blood cells. Therefore, it was concluded that the reversal of the sickling phenomenon could be achieved, almost quantitatively, by the consumption of acidic metabolites by sickle cell patients. Keywords: Sickle cell disease, fractionated A. vera extract, gelling time International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences , 6(2): 155-160, 2010

Anti Fungal Activity of Wood Extract of Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte Against Agarwood-Inducing Fungi, Fusarium solani

This paper provided information regarding artificial agar wood production. Fungi are considered as biological agent for agarwood formation and agarwood is assumed as tree defense mechanism product. This research was aimed at investigating the anti fungal activity (AFA) of Aq ui l ari a crassna , one of the agar wood-producing trees, against F usariu m solani in vi t r o . Aq uilaria crassna wood mill was extracted by 70% ethanol to investigate the anti fungal activity. The result are Aq u i l ari a c r a s s n a exhibited low extractives content, which was only 2.0% (w/w) and a low anti fungal activity i n vitro , especially for ethanol extract. However, further fractionation and bioassay showed that the most active component was likely in the ethyl-acetate soluble fraction that exhibited strong anti fungal activity (52.5%) at 4.0% of concentration.

Observation on Aloe Juice Reducing Skin Injury of Face and Neck Caused by Radiotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients

Objective To observe the effect of the aloe juice reducing skin injury of face and neck caused by radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Methods Eighty nasopharyngeal cancer patients admitted in hospital from March 2007 to January 2009 were randomly recruited into a control group and a treatment group. The treatment group (n=48) was treated by smearing on face and neck skin with aloe juice after the conventional fractionation radiotherapy. The control group (n=32) received no therapeutic measures after the conventional fractionation radiotherapy. Results In the treatment group there were 21 patients and 13 patients had I degree and II degree of skin lesion respectively; and in the control group, there were 5 patients and 10 patients had the I degree and II degree of skin lesion respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups (χ~2= 10.6. P<0.05). Conclusion Aloe juice can reduce the injury of skin caused by radiotherapy. Key words: Aloe; Nasopharyngeal cancer; Radiotherapy

Antibacterial Effect of Essential Vegetal Extracts on Staphylococcus aureus Compared to Antibiotics

This study is aiming to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ten essential vegetal extracts on strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from animal lesions. The comparative effect of some antibiotics on these strains isolated from animals was also tested and estimated. The extracts were represented by Albies alba, Aloe barbadensis, Calendula officinalis, Cocos nucifera, Eucalyptus globulus, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula angustifolia, Satureja hortensis, Mentha piperita, Pinus silvestris essential oils, in three amounts (30 I¼l, 3 I¼l and 0,3 I¼l) and comparatively eight antibiotics frequently utilized in staphylococci infections treatment in animals were used. Animal origin S. aureus strains were identified using API staph tests (BioMerieux, France). The tests were realized by diffusion method using Muller Hilton agar while the antibacterial effect was interpreted depending on the inhibition area diameter. The obtained results revealed that Satureja hortensis and Albies alba extracts inhibit the develop of the most staphylococci tested strains. The highest inhibition areas were observed for the amounts of 30 I¼l and 3 I¼l essential extract. Most of the staphylococci strains were resistant to antibiotics, the most efficient being Ceftiofur and Methicillin. The results are suggesting that savory and fir has antibacterial effect on S. aureus similar to the best antibiotics proving to be an alternative as natural antibiotics utilization in infectious diseases.

EXTRACTION AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUCILAGE FROM MESQUITE, ALOE VERA, MAGUEY AND PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS CLADODES (NOPAL) AND EVALUATION OF ITS PREBIOTIC EFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF 2 PROBIOTIC BACTERIA

EXTRACTION AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUCILAGE FROM MESQUITE, ALOE VERA, MAGUEY AND PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS CLADODES (NOPAL) AND EVALUATION OF ITS PREBIOTIC EFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF 2 PROBIOTIC BACTERIA

Priority ofAloe teissierioverAloe andohahelensis

Summary: Evidence is presented to show that Aloe teissieri Lavranos was effectively published before Aloe andohahelensis J.-B. Castillon, and since these two taxa are now considered to be conspecific, the former name has priority over the latter.