Aloe Species Research Articles

The potential health benefits of aloin from genus Aloe.

The Aloe species is known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Aloin is an active ingredient found in the leaves of medicinal plants of the genus Aloe. Aloin has attracted considerable interest for its antiinflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. However, since its clinical application is restricted by its unclear mechanism of action, a deeper understanding of its pharmacological activity is required. This review provides an overview of current pharmacological and toxicological studies published in English from February 2000 to August 2021. Herein, we summarized the sources and potential health benefits of aloin from a clinical application perspective to guide for further studies on the sources of aloin, aimed at efficiently increasing aloin production. Importantly, the function and mechanism of action of aloin remain unclarified. In future research, it is necessary to develop new approaches for studying the pharmacological molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of this compound against various diseases.

Inhibitory effects of aloin on lipopolysaccharide-induced severe inflammatory responses

Aloin is the main anthraquinone glycoside from Aloe species. Here, the anti-inflammatory functions of aloin against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular inflammatory responses were tested in endothelial cells or mice such as permeability, expressions of cell adhesion molecule (CAM), migration of leukocytes and lethality. Aloin was found to inhibit LPS-induced barrier disruption, CAM expression, and neutrophil adhesion/transendothelial migration to endothelial cells. Furthermore, aloin inhibited LPS-induced hyperpermeability, leukocyte migration, lethality in vivo. These results suggest that aloin has anti-inflammatory activities against LPS, thereby supporting its usefulness as a treatment for vascular inflammatory.

Aloe Vera Gel Effect on Skin and Pharmacological Properties

Aloe Vera, a cactus-like plant belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family has been used for traditional medical purposes for thousands of years. Aloe Vera derives its name from the Arabic word “Alloeh” which means “shining bitter substance” because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves and Vera which means “true” in Latin. There are over 300 species of aloe, most of which are native to South Africa, Madagascar and Arabia. Aloe leaves can be separated into two basic products: the latex, a bitter yellow liquid beneath the epidermis of the leaf and the gel, a colorless and tasteless substance in the inner part of the leaf. Both of them have many biologically active components, mainly anthraquinones and polysaccharides (the most active is acemannan), which may act alone or in synergy. Application of Aloe vera gel is cosmetic-moisturizers, toothpastes and flavoring compounds or preservative of fresh products and in medicine of humans or animals. Aloe vera gel is an active ingredient in hundreds of skin lotions, sun blocks and cosmetics. Aloe vera seems to treat of wounds, burns, insect stings, and skin inflammation, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti- skin protection, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and which are very important for wound healing. Aloe Vera gel helps in activating new hair growth as it increases blood circulation to the scalp. It also provides essential minerals and vitamins.

In vitro evaluation of the anti-melanoma effects (A375 cell line) of the gel and whole leaf extracts from selected aloe species

IntroductionMelanoma is one of the most common occurring malignancies in humans. The melanoma response rate to the standard anticancer drug, dacarbazine, is relatively low. Medicinal plants have traditionally been used to treat cancer, amongst other diseases. The inner gel of the leaves of aloe plants have been applied topically on the skin for treatment of a variety of conditions including skin cancer. MethodsIn this study, MTT assays were performed on A375 melanoma cells for A. vera, A. ferox and A. muth-muth gel and whole leaf materials to determine their IC50 values. In addition, clonogenic assays were carried out to determine the cytostatic effect of the selected aloe materials on A375 melanoma cell colony formation. Results and discussionSome of the aloe plant materials investigated (i.e. A. vera gel, A. muth-muth and A. ferox whole leaf extract) exhibited selectivity index (SI) values higher than 2, which means these plant materials were more active against cancerous cells than against non-cancerous cells. All of the selected aloe materials investigated in this study significantly decreased the number of A375 cell colonies formed when compared to the untreated control group. A. vera gel showed relatively high anti-melanoma activity against A375 cells in vitro, but its selectivity was much lower than that of dacarbazine. ConclusionThese in vitro studies identified the potential anti-melanoma effects of A. vera gel in A375 cells, but it should be followed up with in vivo studies to be conclusive in terms of its efficacy in the treatment of skin cancer.

Antibacterial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants in Al Baha Region, Saudi Arabia, Against Carcinogenic Bacteria Related to Gastrointestinal Cancers.

Gastrointestinal cancers are the most dangerous cancers all over the world. The gut microbiota dysbiosis increases the risk of GI cancers and induces the host's susceptibility to carcinogenic bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is rising in these bacteria. Thus, discovering new safe and effective antibacterial agents is a worldwide concern. This study evaluates the antibacterial activity of six wild medicinal plants from the Al Bahah region in Saudi Arabia. Arial parts ofCissus quadrangularis, Aloe castellorum, Psiadia punctulata, Aloe pseudorubroviolacea, Barbeya oleoides,Teucrium yemense were collected and dried for extraction with ethanol. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of these ethanolic extracts against carcinogenic bacteria Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium ssp., Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Helicobacter pylori, Mycoplasma spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Salmonella enterica, and Treponema pallidum were evaluated to determine its antibacterial activity. All extracts showed antibacterial activity with MIC lower than 1mg/ml. Psiadia punctulata showed higher antibacterial activity, while the Aloe species showed the lowest antibacterial activity. The studied plants' extracts showed high effectiveness as antibacterial activity against the carcinogenic bacteria related to gastrointestinal cancers due to their high content of pharmaceutical components. These plants could be explored further for the development of new antibacterial products against these carcinogenic bacteria.

The concept of lekhala and its limitations in understanding the genus aloe in Lesotho

The limitations of using vernacular names over scientific ones in relation to flora and fauna have long been discussed by different authors worldwide. A similar observation has been made in Lesotho, a country in southern Africa, with its inhabitants, the Basotho, constituting 99% of the population, and Sesotho as the predominant language. The current study explores the limitations and confusion caused by the use of the vernacular name lekhala in reference to different aloe species and other non-aloe plants, such as Agave americana, in the country. According to the latest preliminary checklist of the flora of Lesotho, there are eight species of the Aloe genus; however, two species have since been transferred to other genera. Literature and our observations show that six aloe species are referred to as lekhala in Sesotho. Curiously, not all aloe species are commonly known as lekhala, for example, Aloe striatula (now Aloiampelos striatula) is known as mohalakane or seholobe, while Aloe ecklonis is referred to as maroba-lihale. Therefore, the study demonstrates that the use of the vernacular name lekhala in reference to the Aloe genus in Lesotho is problematic, confusing and overgeneralising.

Beneficial effects of Aloe ferox on lipid profile, blood pressure, and glycemic control in obese persons: A CONSORT-clinical study.

Background:Aloe ferox is one of the most widely used medicinal plants today, with the most intense detoxifying action of all aloe species, being used in the treatment of various diseases, including obesity. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of Aloe ferox in obesity treatment.Methods:The study sample included 20 Romanian persons with obesity treated with diet and Aloe ferox based supplements, and 20 Romanian matched controls treated with diet and a placebo. The treatment included 2 capsules/day (Aloe ferox 460 mg) for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week break, repeated 3 times. The blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and anthropometric parameters, such as body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, and abdominal circumference, as well as the biochemical parameters, fasting blood glucose (FBG), uric acid, and lipid profile was evaluated at baseline and after 3 months.Results:After 3 months of Aloe ferox administration, significant differences between the study group and the control group were observed regarding BMI (P = .03), total cholesterol (P = .032), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) (P = .01) and FBG (P = .018). Also, between the initial clinical, anthropometric, and biological parameters and those after the administration of Aloe ferox in the study group, we obtained significant differences regarding BMI (P = .002), LDLc (P = .039), fasting glycemia (P < .001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = .006).Conclusions:The administration of Aloe ferox to obese patients has been shown to achieve a significant reduction in body weight, BMI, LDLc, and FBG. These effects may be due to the laxative and detoxifying action of Aloe ferox components. As it can only be administered for limited periods due to side effects, further experimental and human studies of the efficacy of this plant in the treatment of obesity are needed.

Determination and Profiling of Secondary Metabolites in Aloe vera, Aloe arborescens and Aloe saponaria

Metabolomics is as an innovative technique for discriminating plant species. The objective of this study was to investigate the secondary metabolites of three different Aloe species, A. vera, A. arborescens, and A. saponaria profiled by 1 H-NMR analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) derived from the 1 H-NMR spectra indicated a clear discrimination among the Aloe species, providing high predictability and good fitness of the PCA model (R2 = 0.928 and Q2 = 865). As observed in the PLS-DA score plot, discrimination was observed in the Aloe species with respect to primary metabolites including sugar and organic acid and secondary metabolites such as phenylpropanoids and carotenoids. A. vera was characterized by high levels of malate. On the other hand, as compared to the other Aloe species, A. arborescens was characterized by higher levels of aloenin and sugar metabolites such as sucrose and glucose. Furthermore, the secondary metabolites were quantitatively analyzed by HPLC, and the amounts of carotenoids including zeaxanthin, α- and β-carotene, and phenylpropanoids in A. arborescens were found to be significantly higher than those in the other Aloe species. In conclusion, we demonstrated that 1 H-NMR-based metabolomics with chemometric analysis can be used for the facile discrimination of Aloe species.

Conservation status revision and communities’ perceptions of 22 Aloe species in Tanzania

Background and aims – Many Aloe species are globally threatened due to overharvesting for trade and habitat destruction. CITES regulates their international trade. In Tanzania, 50% of all existing Aloe species had previously been assessed, though some of these assessments were Data Deficient. For those with sufficient data, an update is required as the rate of decline has rapidly increased over the last years. Material and methods – We estimated Area of Occupancy (AOO), Extent of Occurrence (EOO), and number of locations for 22 Tanzanian Aloe species using the Geospatial Conservation Assessment software (GeoCAT). We assessed the reasons leading to their decline based on direct field observations and community perceptions. Key results – We revised the conservation status of 22 Aloe species; two were assessed as Critically Endangered, ten as Endangered, five as Vulnerable, and five as Least Concern. We re-discovered the Critically Endangered Aloe boscawenii, which had not been seen in Tanzania for more than six decades. We propose to downgrade the endemic Aloe dorotheae, Aloe leptosiphon, and Aloe flexilifolia from Critically Endangered to a lower threat level. The community perception on Aloe species availability did not accurately reflect their categorisation based on the IUCN criteria B. We identified agricultural activities and climate change effects as the two main threats to Tanzanian Aloe species.Conclusion – We conclude that overall numbers are declining for 22 Aloe species in Tanzania, mainly due to human activities. We recommend the implementation of laws and policies to protect their natural habitats.

Aloin alleviates pathological cardiac hypertrophy via modulation of the oxidative and fibrotic response

AimsPathological cardiac hypertrophy is a characteristic feature in many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Aloin is an anthraquinone glycoside from Aloe species, and the effect of aloin on cardiac hypertrophy and associated fibrotic changes have not been elucidated. This study investigated the effect of aloin against the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Main methodsCardiac hypertrophy experimental model was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of ISO for 14 days. Meanwhile, the animals were administered orally with aloin at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day. On the 15th day, cardiac echocardiography was performed, the heart was collected and subjected for histopathological, gene expression, and immunoblot studies. Additionally, the effect of aloin on ISO-induced hypertrophic changes in H9c2 cells was investigated. Key findingsAloin markedly alleviated ISO-induced heart injury, reduced cardiac hypertrophy, improved cardiac function, and histological alterations in the heart. Mechanistically, aloin attenuated ISO-induced fibrosis via inhibition of the levels of collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and pSmad2/3 proteins in the heart. Aloin alleviated ISO-induced myocardial oxidative damage and up-regulated the levels of antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins. Moreover, aloin treatment attenuated ISO-induced hypertrophic changes and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cells in vitro. SignificanceOur findings demonstrated that aloin alleviated ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis via inhibiting TGF-β/pSmad2/3 signaling and restoring myocardial antioxidants, and therefore has promising therapeutic potential against cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.

Atlas of leaf surface micromorphology in Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae) from the Horn of Africa region

The confident identification to species rank of fragmentary and sterile plant material is often challenged by the absence of diagnostic characters, which are present in intact specimens, reproductive parts, and plants in habitat. Here, we consider leaf surface micromorphology for the identification of the genus Aloe in the Horn of Africa region. Primary and secondary sculpturing of the leaf epidermis and stomata were characterised from SEM micrographs of 35 taxa representing 31 species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae). Detailed comparison revealed that leaf surface characters are conserved between species and within-species variation is modest. Closely related taxa in the Aloe adigratana—A. camperi—A. sinana species complex could be distinguished using leaf surface micromorphology alone. These characters also guide species delimitation; in the species complex including A. schoelleri and A. steudneri, a narrow circumscription is supported, whereas with A. ankoberensis and A. pulcherrima, a wider circumscription merits consideration. The observed trait combinations are characteristic of plants in xeric environments, with the most notable feature being stomata that are most deeply sunken in species in more arid habitats. Our findings support the use of comparative study of micromorphological leaf surface characters for species identification and taxonomy in the genus Aloe.

Фітопрепарати в комплексному лікуванні запальних захворювань пародонту

In this article the review of foreign and domestic literary sources, which are devoted to the actual problem of modern dentistry – the treatment of inflammatory diseases of periodontal tissues: gingivitis and periodontitis are presented. The complex approach to their treatment involves the appointment of a significant amount of pharmacotherapeutic drugs. Therapeutic failures and iatrogenic complications have led to the fact that today the interests of doctors and population to medicinal products significantly increased. The purpose of the study is to analyze the data of scientific literature on the use of plant-based medicinal products for the treatment of periodontal inflammatory diseases over the past 10 years. Materials and methods. Comprehensive and systematic analysis of literature. Review and discussion. The analysis of information sources on the use of plant-based medicinal products in dentistry both independently and in the composition of medical and prophylactic means has established that the modern assortment of plant-based preparations in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine to a certain extent is limited. The emergence of new plant-based species that have been tested in conditions of experimental pathology and require an evidence-based clinical base is noted. The composition of plant-based preparations used for the treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases include vitamins, biologically active substances, glycosides, alkaloids, in connection with a wide range of action: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, hemostatic, antioxidative. The data on plant-based preparations that are most often used such as chamomile extracts, calendula, hypericum, plantain, kalanchoe, aloe, eucalyptus, milfoil, nettle, calamus and plant-based species are summarized. The medicinal agents considered are mainly recommended for local treatment of periodontal diseases in the form of dental care means, mouth rinse, gel, chewing gum, herbal liquer. It is known that the complex treatment of periodontal diseases includes a general influence on the body. The properties of green tea with its wide range of actions are investigated. With antioxidant properties, it can be a healthy alternative for controlling destructive changes in periodontal diseases. Attention is drawn to the proposed unique natural complex “Resverazin” due to a wide range of pharmacological action, low toxicity and relative safety. The drug produces antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, vasodilative, neuroprotective action. Conclusion. Based on the literature analysis, it can be concluded that the accumulated experimental and clinical data on the therapeutic properties of plants prove perspective of their use in the complex treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases. Future studies are mandatory for further confirmation of the effectiveness of these medicinal plants

Cytotoxic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Aloe saudiarabica and Aloe shadensis against Three Human Cancer Cell Line

Aloe saudiarabica and Aloe shadensis are a rare species of the genus Aloe found only in Saudi Arabia. The cytotoxic activity of both plants were evaluated in the current study using three different human cancer cell line, lung carcinoma (A-549), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and liver cancer (HepG2), assessed by WST-1 cell viability assays. The results indicate that the Aloe saudiarabica and Aloe shadensis showed weak cytotoxic effects against all three tested cancer cell lines, with an IC50 value of &gt;300 μg/ml. In addition, HepG2 cells were more sensitive to Aloe saudiarabica treatment than MCF-7 and A549 cells, while MCF-7 cells were more sensitive to Aloe shadensis treatment than HepG2 and A549 cells. This study also identified the characteristic chemical constituents of the two plants using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique and the result indicated that 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (32.23%) was the main compound of Aloe saudiarabica while methyl 9-octadecenoate (17.28%) was the main compound of Aloe shadensis. In conclusion, the in vitro evaluation of Aloe saudiarabica and Aloe shadensis methanolic extraction showed low cytotoxicity on the viability of A-549, MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines.

Aloe uigensis (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a new species from northwestern Angola

A new species of Aloe, A. uigensis (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), is described from northwestern Angola. It is a non-proliferous, single-stemmed species that bears narrowly elongated, acuminate racemes with orange to pale reddish flowers. Aloe uigensis is compared to some long-known as well as recently described species of Aloe from Angola, but does not have close relatives with which it can be confused in the country.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF METHODS FOR DETERMINATION THE TOTAL OF ANTHRACENE DERIVATIVES IN RAW MATERIALS AND PREPARATIONS OF ALOE ARBORESCENS MILL.

Aloe arborescens Mill., family Asphodelaceae, is a pharmacopoeial plant, the raw material of which is used for the production of medicinal products for various therapeutic uses. The standardization of Aloe species in accordance with the requirements of the British, Japanese, European Pharmacopoeias and the United States Pharmacopoeia is carried out according to the barbaloin content by the spectrophotometric method. The methods are multistage, provide for preliminary acid hydrolysis in combination with the oxidation, liquid-liquid extraction of the formed aglycones and subsequent complexation with magnesium acetate. A mixture of isomers of aloin A and aloin B (barbaloin) and aloenin were isolated by chromatographic methods. It was determined that in all electronic spectra of the extracts and preparations from the leaves of Aloe arborescens Mill., a bathochromic shift of the long-wavelength band in the alkaline-ammonia solution is observed, which confirms the presence of anthracene derivatives. Under conditions of differential absorption, a maximum absorption is observed in the range of 412–416 nm, which indicates the advisability of using barbaloin in the analysis method, which has a maximum absorption at a wavelength of 412 nm. As a result of the study, there were developed methods for the quantitative determination of the total of anthracene derivatives in leaves and preparations of Aloe arborescens Mill. by using of the differential spectrophotometry calculated on barbaloin at an analytical wavelength of 412 nm. The content of total anthracene derivatives calculated on barbaloin was 0.60±0.03% in Aloe arborescens fresh leaves, 0.5±0.02% in freshly prepared juice, 0.135±0.006% in "Aloe juice" and 0.020±0.001% in "Aloe liquid extract", solution for subcutaneous administration, produced by ZAO "Vifitech" and OAO "Dalkhimpharm".

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of Aloe shadensis from Saudi Arabia based on matK, rbcL and ITS DNA barcode sequence

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thrives with great plant diversity, including rare plants of the family Asphodelaceae that have multiple benefits and are still being studied. Aloe shadensis is one of these plants that must be preserved and documented in its natural environment. The most appropriate molecular approach currently approved for documentation is the sequencing of some genomic markers. The current study is the first to use genomic markers to record this rare plant. In this study, the plastid genes matK (Maturase K), rbcL (Ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit), and the nuclear region ITS (Internal transcribed spacer) were used to reveal their efficiency in identifying the plant under study. This study is the first to deal with this plant and document it using these genetic markers. The study showed a promising result concerning identifying the sequence of the matK gene and ITS region, while the rbcL gene did not give a good indicator through the used primers. The obtained sequences of the matK gene and the ITS region were determined through two different sets of primers in each case then deposited in GenBank. The evolutionary relatedness of Aloe shadensis was established with the different species of Aloe. The study showed that the closest species is Aloe vera with a similarity of more than 99 %. The study concludes with the possibility of using these genes to correctly identify, distinguish and document the species of Aloe shadensis.

CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES IN VITRO OF FLOWER EXTRACTS OF THREE SPECIES OF ALOE GROWING IN YEMEN:ALOE RUBROVIOLACEAE, ALOE VERA AND ALOE SABAEA, AGAINST ELEVEN TYPES OF CANCER CELL LINES

Background and aims: Natural products, in particular plant extracts, have opened up great chance in the area of drug progress owing to their chemical variety. The Aloe genus has long been known to be used for medicinal uses in countless parts of the world. This study was planned to inspect the phytochemicals and anti-cancer capabilities of Aloe rubroviolaceae, Aloe vera and Aloe sabaea flowers. Materials and Methods: Three types of ethanolic extracts of plants traditionally used in Yemen to treat a variety of diseases have been tested in vitro for their potential anticancer activity on different human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extracts of tested plants was determined using eleven strains of human cancer cells, namely: MCF-7 (breast cancer), PC-3 (prostate cancer), HEP-2(human epithelial carcinoma), MNFS-60 (myelogenous leukemia), CACO (intestinal cancer), A-549 (lung adenocarcinoma), HeLa (cervical cancer),RD (rhabdomyosarcoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), HCT-116 (colon cancer), and CHO-K1(Chinese hamster ovary). A colorimetric sulforhodamine B assay was applied to assess the in vitro cytotoxic activity of various extracts. Growth inhibition of 50% (IC50) for each extract was calculated from the optical density of treated and untreated cells. Doxorubicin, a broad-spectrum anticancer drug was used as a positive control. Results: More interesting cytotoxic activity was observed for Aloe vera extract more than Aloe sabaea and Aloe rubroviolaceae, extract. Conclusions: This study presents an initial screening for anti-proliferative activity of a variety of Aloe species flowers extracts on diverse cancer cell lines. Different extracts of Aloe species significantly inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Advance researches are necessary to understand the possible mechanism(s) of action of these extract on a variety of cancer cells and separation of active phyto-chemicals. Peer Review History: Received: 18 July 2021; Revised: 17 August; Accepted: 8 September, Available online: 15 September 2021 Academic Editor: Dr. Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, AIMST University, Malaysia, drmmziqbal@gmail.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. U. S. Mahadeva Rao, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu Malaysia, raousm@gmail.com Dr. Nazim Hussain, BFIT, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, nhussain116@gmail.com Similar Articles: ANTIFUNGAL, CYTOTOXIC AND PHYTOTOXICITY OF AERIAL PART OF RANUNCULUS MURICATUS IN VITRO INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF BERBERIS VULGARIS L. AGAINST LEISHMANIA TROPICA PROMASTIGOTES

Distribution, habitat and conservation status of critically endangered aloes in Tanzania

In sub–Saharan Africa, Tanzania is one of the countries of global significance for biodiversity conservation. However, some plants in Tanzania, including Aloe species, are critically endangered. Tanzanian critically endangered aloes have generally limited distribution ranges and are represented by very small populations in the wild. Knowledge about their conservation, distribution, ecology and population status is also limited in the country. We carried out field surveys to assess conservation, distribution and ecological habitat of Tanzanian critically endangered aloes (CEAs) i.e. Aloe boscawenii, Aloe flexilifolia, Aloe leptosiphon and Aloe dorotheae. The study aimed to assess (i) the current population of CEAs, (ii) ecological habitats of CEAs and (iii) awareness of local people about CEAs and their conservation status. A stratified random meander survey was used to assess CEAs distribution and abundance. Their abundance was estimated by counting the number of each individual found in the area. Data on ecological habitat of CEAs were collected using direct field observations while recording signs of anthropogenic activities that threaten their survival. We recorded 141, 58 and 61 individuals of A. dorotheae, A. leptosiphon and A. flexilifolia, respectively. Most A. leptosiphon and A. flexilifolia individuals were hanging on bare rocks on higher cliffs. Moreover, we found that conservation initiatives to protect CEAs are absent in the study areas. Besides, local people were uninformed of the existence of CEAs and their conservation status. Our findings generally inform conservation gap regarding aloe species and their ecological habitats.

Cytotoxic Activities in Vitro of Flower Extracts of Three Species of Aloe Growing in Yemen: Aloe Rubroviolaceae, Aloe Vera and Aloe Sabaea, against Eleven Types of Cancer Cell Lines

ackground and aims: Natural products, especially plant extracts, have opened up great opportunities in the field of drug progress due to their chemical variety. The genus Aloe has long been used for medicinal uses in countless parts of the world. This study was designed to investigate the phytochemicals and anti-cancer capabilities of Aloe rubroviolaceae, Aloe vera and Aloe sabaea flowers. Materials and Methods: The methanolic extracts of three types of plants traditionally used in Yemen to treat a variety of diseases have been tested in vitro for their potential anticancer activity on different human cancer cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extracts of tested plants was determined using eleven strains of human cancer cells, namely: MCF-7 (breast cancer), PC-3 (prostate cancer), HEP-2 (human epithelial carcinoma), MNFS-60 (myelogenous leukemia), CACO (intestinal cancer), A-549 (lung adenocarcinoma), HeLa (cervical cancer), RD (rhabdomyosarcoma),HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), HCT-116 (colon cancer), and CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary). A colorimetric sulforhodamine B assay was used to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of different extracts. Growth inhibition of 50% (IC50) for each extract was calculated from the optical density of treated and untreated cells. Doxorubicin, a broad-spectrum anticancer drug was used as a positive control. Results: More interesting cytotoxic activity was observed for Aloe vera extract more than Aloe sabaea and Aloe rubroviolaceae, extract. Conclusions: This study provides a preliminary screening for anti-proliferative activity of various Aloe species flowers extracts on different cancer cell lines. Different extracts of Aloe species significantly inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Further investigations are required to understand the possible mechanism(s) of action of these extract on various cancer cells and isolation of active phyto-chemicals.

Enzymatic and Antimicrobial Activity of Biologically Active Samples from Aloe arborescens and Aloe barbadensis.

Recently, the use of Aloe species has become very widespread. These are extensively used as a nutraceutical in a variety of health care products and food supplements. In addition, the occurrence of the quickly adaptable microorganisms, particularly bacteria, which can develop resistance to antibiotics, is a major problem for public health, and therefore, it is necessary to search for new antimicrobials. In our study, the content of total phenols, proanthocyanidins, and proteins in fresh and lyophilized samples of A. arborescens and A. barbadensis and their ethanol extracts was investigated. Furthermore, enzymatic and antioxidant activity of samples were studied. Since antimicrobial activity of fresh samples was determined in our latest research, a more detailed study of antimicrobial effectiveness of A. arborescens and A. barbadensis (lyophilized, extracts) was performed. Ethanol extracts in particular contain higher concentrations of bioactive substances and show the topmost antioxidant activity. The novelty of the study refers to the observation of industrially important enzyme activities such as α-amylase, cellulase, lipase, peroxidase, protease, and transglutaminase in the samples as well as the microbial growth inhibition rates determination (MGIR) at different concentrations of added aloe samples. All samples inhibited the growth of all tested microbial cells. MIC90 for A. arborescens and A. barbadensis were also determined in case of B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, and S. aureus. The results of our study tend to give credence to the popular use of both aloes in medicine and in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries.