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The effect of Aloe vera extract on humoral and cellular immune response in rabbit
Abstract and Figures
Some plant polysaccharides are well known to possess immunostimulatory effects. Aloe vera possesses confirmed curative or healing actions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of A. vera plant extract on cellular and humoral immune response in rabbits. 20 healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into five treatment groups: Groups consisted of: 1) control group (normal saline); 2) A. vera control; 3) vaccine control; 4) 50 mg A. vera extract + vaccine; 5) 150 mg A. vera extract + vaccine. The used vaccine was for myxomatosis. Blood samples were obtained at four time points: days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of the study. CD 4+ and CD 8+ lymphocytes frequency and serum immunoglobulin concentrations were evaluated. According to the results, oral administration of A. vera affected the composition of lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulins positively. These findings demonstrated that A. vera may stimulate both cellular and humoral immune responses after immunization.
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... AV showed positive effects on the humoral immunity of broilers [9] and significantly increased the production of CD4+ and CD8 + T cells and IgG in the rabbit's blood when injected with the AV vaccine [10]. The ingestion of AV had a positive effect on the composition of lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulins in rabbits [11]. In rats, the aqueous extract of AV markedly boosted the secondary humoral immune response [12]. ...
Objective: The experiment evaluated how Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract supplementation affected
immune responses and physiological performances in broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods: 90-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared for 38 days without the
addition of antibiotics, either through feed or water. At 10 days, chicks were allocated into three
groups: A, B, and C (n = 30). Group A served as non-supplemented control. Groups B and C were
administered aqueous extracts of AVG at 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively, with drinking water.
Results: The supplementation of AVG potentiated the chicken immune response to Newcastle disease-vaccinated birds and sheep red blood cell-treated birds, which detected the highest antibody
titers against Newcastle disease virus and sRBC. The cellular immune response evaluated through
a cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity test using phytohemagglutinin-P demonstrated a significant increase in skin thickness in AVG-supplemented birds. The relative sizes of lymphoid organs
(bursa, spleen, and thymus) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) among the groups. Broilers
given AVG-1 and AVG-2 exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.01) live body weight, dressing percentages, and serum protein and serum albumin levels. The supplemented groups experienced
a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol values, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol remained unchanged. The
dietary aqueous extracts of AVG are effective in enhancing innate and specific immunity.
Conclusion: This work strengthens the perspective of the use of AVG as an immune stimulant to
facilitate recovery from immune suppression states, enhance innate and specific immunity, and
improve broiler growth performance.
... AV showed positive effects on the humoral immunity of broilers [9] and significantly increased the production of CD4+ and CD8 + T cells and IgG in the rabbit's blood when injected with the AV vaccine [10]. The ingestion of AV had a positive effect on the composition of lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulins in rabbits [11]. In rats, the aqueous extract of AV markedly boosted the secondary humoral immune response [12]. ...
Objective
The experiment evaluated how Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract supplementation affected immune responses and physiological performances in broiler chickens.
Materials and Methods
90-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared for 38 days without the addition of antibiotics, either through feed or water. At 10 days, chicks were allocated into three groups: A, B, and C (n = 30). Group A served as non-supplemented control. Groups B and C were administered aqueous extracts of AVG at 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively, with drinking water.
Results
The supplementation of AVG potentiated the chicken immune response to Newcastle disease-vaccinated birds and sheep red blood cell-treated birds, which detected the highest antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus and sRBC. The cellular immune response evaluated through a cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity test using phytohemagglutinin-P demonstrated a significant increase in skin thickness in AVG-supplemented birds. The relative sizes of lymphoid organs (bursa, spleen, and thymus) were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) among the groups. Broilers given AVG-1 and AVG-2 exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.01) live body weight, dressing percentages, and serum protein and serum albumin levels. The supplemented groups experienced a significant reduction in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol values, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol remained unchanged. The dietary aqueous extracts of AVG are effective in enhancing innate and specific immunity.
Conclusion
This work strengthens the perspective of the use of AVG as an immune stimulant to facilitate recovery from immune suppression states, enhance innate and specific immunity, and improve broiler growth performance.
... Bałan et al. (2014) reported that oral administration of Aloe vera gel to mice stimulated the cellular and humoral immune response. An elevation in number of CD4 cells and immunoglobulin level was described in rabbits fed with Aloe vera (Vahedi et al., 2011). Aloe vera was involved in the differentiation of CD4 lymphocytes by regulating cytokines secretion in Th1 and Th2 (Yu et al., 2002). ...
Cryptosporidiosis has been considered as a serious diarrheal disease, especially in immunodeficient patients, where they failed to clear the infection leading to several consequences of infection (i.e death). The role of cell mediated immunity in clearing the infection was demonstrated by the increased susceptibility of HIV/AIDS patients to infection. To date, no specific treatment has been proven for cryptosporidiosis in immunodeficient patients. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent and dexamethasoneimmunosuppressed mice in comparison to that of nitazoxanide. Mice were orally administrated with Aloe vera gel, in a daily dose of 250 mg/L in drinking water, for 14 consecutive days post infection. Parasitological, molecular and immunological measurements were recorded on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 32nd days post infection. Our in vitro results showed that 250 mg/L of prepared gel achieved the highest parasitic reduction. The body weights of Aloe vera treated mice on the 21st and 32nd day post infection, either in immunocompetent or immunosuppressed groups, were nearly the same as those of their corresponding control groups. Aloe vera gel succeeded in clearing cryptosporidiosis with a percent reduction of 100% in immunocompetent mice and 99.67% in immunosuppressed mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera reduced the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, -6 and -17. The success of Aloe vera gel, in clearing cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice, was obvious either from the reduction
of CryptosporidiumDNA or the oocysts in stool samples; and from the improvement of histopathological sections.
under the supervision of Dr. Alyaa Ahmed Farid at Immunology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo university in which we have published a paper in a Q1 also published on PubMe
... At suitable concentration, ginger is effective against the protoscoleces (PSC) and cyst wall. It also shows the anti-hydatic activity and also increases the level of nitric oxide [23] . ...
The word immunity plays a significant role in today's situation. Due to the pandemic COVID-19, every country and every person is trying to find out the substances or agents that help enhance immunity. In this regard, WHO (World Health Organization) even suggests certain substances or agents enhance an individual's immunity. Nature is the most significant source of providing the substances that help to strengthen the immunity of the body. Immunity is the primary defence mechanism of the body. It provides the capability to the body to fight against infections and diseases. In this manuscript, the information and data are collected about these natural plants which are responsible to increase the immunity in the human beings. The manuscript provides insight into the plants that can be useful in enhancing an individual's immunity. These plants can be cultivated or grown in the garden. The plants can act as an immunomodulator thus it provides the defensive mechanism against infections and diseases. The plants discussed in this manuscript are Neem, Turmeric, Ginger, Aloe Vera, Amla, Tulsi, Garlic, Giloi, Curry Leaves and Tamarind.
... This scientific theory is completely consistent with the results obtained in the current study. It has also been investigated that A. vera can increase CD4 and CD8 receptor of T lymphocytes (Ghasem et al., 2011). Thus, increase in lymphocyte concentration might be due to the presence of low molecular weight proteins and glycoproteins that have mitogenic effect causing proliferation of immune cells, that is, lymphocytes. ...
... Furthermore, A. vera compounds have been reported to stimulate cell-mediated immunity and influence the direction of the T cell immune response. In addition to increasing IgA, IgG, and IgM levels following vaccination against myxomatosis virus in rabbits, oral administration of APS also increased CD4 + and CD8 + T cell counts in vaccinated rabbits [82]. Notably, the administration of the combination of AVG and alum with a human papillomavirus (HPV16 E7d) vaccine increased the levels of T H 1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4 in mice [83]. ...
Plants contain underutilized resources of compounds that can be employed to combat viral diseases. Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (syn. Aloe barbadensis Mill.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and A. vera extracts have been reported to possess a huge breadth of pharmacological activities. Here, we discuss the potential of A. vera compounds as antivirals and immunomodulators for the treatment of viral diseases. In particular, we highlight the use of aloe emodin and acemannan as lead compounds that should be considered for further development in the management and prevention of viral diseases. Given the immunomodulatory capacity of A. vera compounds, especially those found in Aloe gel, we also put forward the idea that these compounds should be considered as adjuvants for viral vaccines. Lastly, we present some of the current limitations to the clinical applications of compounds from Aloe, especially from A. vera.
... The effect of A. vera plant extract on cellular and humoral immune response in rabbits was evaluated. A. vera may stimulate both cellular and according to the results, oral administration of A. vera affected the composition of lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulins positively humoral immune responses after immunization [12]. The effects of oral supplements of Aloe vera extract on hemotology indices and immune cells of rabbit were investigated. ...
Aloe a miracle plant obtained from many species namely aloe vera, aloe barbadensis, aloe perryi, aloe ferox and various
other species. Aloe vera the Indian species cultivated in India and other species are cultivated in Africa. Aloe is a cactuslike
plant that grows in hot, dry climates. Aloe plant can withstand drought conditions and can grow without rainfall. Aloe
produces two substances, gel and latex. Aloe gel is a clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant
leaf. Aloe latex comes from the plant's skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed
leaf, so they contain both gel and latex. Aloe vera plant has enormous activities in treatment of various skin diseases such
as acne, burns, psoriasis, etc. and used in herbal cosmetics. Aloe gel is used in many cosmetic preparations as face wash
and herbal creams etc. since the potency, efficacy, safety is more toxicity and side effects are comparatively less. Aloe is
used in gum diseases in, dental problems and dental plaque etc. Aloe gel has anti-diabetic activity, used in treatment of
glaucoma, and can treat vision problems. It is also used in hepatitis, osteoarthritis, varicose veins, weight loss etc. aloe has
tremendous other activities. This review includes various uses, medicinal properties, pharmacological actions, various
extracts of these Aloe species are traditionally used and their application used to cure, arthritis, inflammation, immunity,
diabetes, hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, atherosclerosis, coronary heart diseases, laxative, antibacterial, antifungal,
antiviral, wound healing and antitumor effect. Since aloe has been reviewed in many journal and articles, this review is
compiled from recent article of aloes. Hence aloe is an invaluable gift of nature and a miracle plant. Aloe is a medicinal
plant from the past, present and future and the invaluable activities present in this plant leads us to promising activities
for the research and development for finding new entities.
... Acemannan from A barbadensis extract stimulated macrophage production of monokines, including interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor, resulting in the initiation of immune attack, necrosis, and regression of implanted sarcomas in mice [118]. In another study, A. barbadensis stimulated cellular and humoral immune responses in rabbits following immunization against myxomatosis [119]. ...
Introduction:
The Uganda National Drug Authority requires phytochemical screening, freedom from microbial contamination, and evidence of safety and efficacy of the constituent plants to register herbal products. Since Uganda has no pharmacopeia, safety, efficacy, and plant processing information are not readily available. We documented the plant materials used to manufacture products in Uganda and established evidence of their safety and efficacy and availability of monographs.
Methods:
The NDA register of herbal products was reviewed, and a product list was extracted. The herbal products were purchased from local pharmacies, and their labels were studied to identify plant ingredients and drug use. Literature was reviewed to document evidence of the safety and efficacy of the plant materials concerning manufacturer's claims. Also, the WHO and available African Pharmacopeia were searched to establish the availability of the plant monographs.
Results:
Of the 84 NDA-registered local products, only 18 were obtained from the market; 82% were indicated for respiratory tract disorders. Thirty-three plant materials were listed with Eucalyptus globulus Labill, being the commonest. Several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate efficacy, thus supporting the use of the selected plant species for empirical treatment as stated on the product label. While most plants were safe, some species such as Albizia coriaria Oliv. had dose-dependent toxicities that cannot be predicted in combinations. The WHO, African Pharmacopoeia, and West African Herbal Pharmacopoeia had only 16 plant monographs of the 33 plants of interest. Nevertheless, Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., Azadirachta indica A.Juss., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Allium sativum L. monographs were published by all three pharmacopoeias.
Conclusions:
Preclinical evidence of safety and efficacy exists in the literature for most of the plants used to manufacture registered herbal products in Uganda. More specific bioassays and clinical trials are required for the products to provide conclusive evidence of safety and toxicity. Monographs are urgently needed for the Ugandan plants.
... Bałan et al. (2014) reported that oral administration of Aloe vera gel to mice stimulated the cellular and humoral immune response. An elevation in number of CD4 cells and immunoglobulin level was described in rabbits fed with Aloe vera (Vahedi et al., 2011). Aloe vera was involved in the differentiation of CD4 lymphocytes by regulating cytokines secretion in Th1 and Th2 (Yu et al., 2002). ...
Cryptosporidiosis has been considered as a serious diarrheal disease, especially in immunodeficient patients, where they failed to clear the infection leading to several consequences of infection (i.e death). The role of cell mediated immunity in clearing the infection was demonstrated by the increased susceptibility of HIV/AIDS patients to infection. To date, no specific treatment has been proven for cryptosporidiosis in immunodeficient patients. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera gel for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in immunocompetent and dexamethasone immunosuppressed mice in comparison to that of nitazoxanide. Mice were orally administrated with Aloe vera gel, in a daily dose of 250 mg/L in drinking water, for 14 consecutive days post infection. Parasitological, molecular and immunological measures were recorded on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 32nd days post infection. Our in vitro results showed that 250 mg/L of prepared gel achieved the highest parasitic reduction. The body weights of Aloe vera treated mice on the 21st and 32nd day post infection, either in immunocompetent or immunosuppressed groups, were nearly the same as those of their corresponding control groups. Aloe vera gel succeeded in clearing cryptosporidiosis with a percent reduction of 100% in immunocompetent mice and 99.67% in immunosuppressed mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera reduced the levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, -6 and -17. The success of Aloe vera gel, in clearing cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice, was obvious either from the reduction of Cryptosporidium DNA or the oocysts in stool samples; and from the improvement of histopathological sections.
The SARS-cov-2 virus was initially identified in Wuhan in November 2019, and later spread globally sparking the present pandemic. Since there are currently no specified cures for COVID-19, researchers have the chance to develop alternative drugs or vaccines, thus numerous synthetic bioactive molecules are now being explored in clinical studies. The broad therapeutic scope and negligible health consequences, traditional medicines have been utilized for a relatively long time in various clinical emergencies. Considering there weren't enough synthetic antiviral medications available, pharmaceutical and alternative therapies have been established using a number of plant constituents. 85% of the immune system is made up of good gut bacteria, which were enhanced by plant-based meals. People routinely utilize a wide variety of natural plants and herbs to cure several categories of disorders owing to the wide access of herbal and nutritional products globally. This article illustrates how earlier studies have demonstrated that several plants have immunomodulatory and antiviral properties, as well as role of their active constituents in order to build immunity against COVID-19. Despite the availability of FDA approved therapies and vaccinations for the management of COVID-19, the goal is to promote the usage of natural supplements as immunotherapies and vaccine adjuvants.
Several complex carbohydrates have been found to significantly stimulate hematopoiesis. CARN 750, a polydispersed beta-(1,4)-linked acetylated mannan isolated from the Aloe vera plant, has been shown to have activity in wound repair, to function as a antineoplastic, and to activate macrophages. We report, herein, the hematoaugmenting properties of CARN 750 and its optimal dose and timing of administration in an animal model of irradiation-induced myelosuppression. We observed that subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/animal of CARN 750 had equal or greater stimulatory activity for white blood cell (WBC) counts and spleen cellularity as well as on the absolute numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets than did higher or lower doses of CARN 750 or an optimal dose of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Hematopoietic progenitors, measured as interleukin-3-supported colony forming units-culture (CFU-C) and high proliferative potential colony-forming cells (HPP-CFC) assays, were similarly increased by CARN 750 in the spleen but not in the bone marrow. The frequency of splenic HPP-CFCs and absolute number of splenic HPP-CFCs and CFU-Cs were optimally increased by 1 mg/animal of CARN 750. In contrast, bone marrow cellularity, frequency and absolute number of HPP-CFCs and CFU-Cs had as a dosage optimum 2 mg/animal of CARN 750. These parameters were similarly increased by G-CSF. In studies to determine the optimal protocol for the administration of CARN 750 we found that the hematopoietic activity of CARN 750 increased with the frequency of administration. The greatest activity in myelosuppressed mice was observed for all hematopoietic parameters except the platelet number in mice receiving daily administration of 1 mg/animal of CARN 750 with activity equal to or greater than G-CSF.
Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen presenting cells that potently modulate immune responses with varying outcomes depending on the DC sub-population involved. To understand how DC sub-types arise, it is necessary to determine which factors influence their differentiation. At least three major sub-populations of DCs have been described in mice: CD4+/CD8- "myeloid" DCs, CD4-/CD8+ "lymphoid" DCs and Langerhans cell-derived DCs. Whilst somewhat comparable populations have been described in man, in most other species very little is known. The identification of cytokines which stimulate proliferation of DC precursors, and the observation that the cytokine environment influences the phenotype and the function of the DCs that subsequently develop, has provided a useful tool for evaluating these rare cells. We describe the influence of cytokines on the phenotype of DCs generated in the rat. Using bone marrow cells as the source of precursors we generated "myeloid-type" DCs from the adherent population using granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-4 and Flt-3L or "lymphoid-type" DCs from the non-adherent population using cytokines which included IL-7, IL-3, SCF and TNFalpha. In order to facilitate similar approaches to the study of equine DCs we have identified the nucleotide sequence encoding GM-CSF from the m-RNA of equine PBMC stimulated with Concanavalin A, amplified the cDNA by PCR and cloned it in eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression vectors. We report on the structure and function of this molecule.
Acute wound healing occurs in four stages, namely, haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. Underlying metabolic disturbances and/or disease may disrupt the regenerative process, causing delayed healing. This has imposed a huge financial burden in both the developed and undeveloped world. As a result, the possibility of deriving alternative, cost effective therapies from traditional plant-based medicines has been explored. The majority of such investigations take the form of in vitro assays based on cell culture models of the various phases of healing. Although insightful in terms of possible modes of drug action, it is conceded that in vitro assessments are insufficient to demonstrate efficacy and both animal testing and human trials are required for global scientific acceptance. Aloe vera is the only herbal medicine to be subjected to all three forms of assessment and is an appropriate example of the scientific methodologies to which herbal medicines are currently subjected. A discussion of the virtues and drawbacks of the in vivo and in vitro approach is given, together with an indication of the information which may be derived from each. It is concluded that in vitro models based on cells derived from diseased tissues are superior to other in vitro models and, in some respects, to animal studies. The investigation of wound healing herbal therapies should be directed toward clinical trials. For the purpose of the joint demonstration of efficacy and elucidation of drug mechanisms, such trials should, where possible, be performed with attendant tissue culture of cells derived from participants.
Analytical and preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography was successfully used for the isolation and purification of hydroxyanthraquinones from Rheum officinale Baill (Dahuang) using pH-modulated stepwise elution. Four major components including chrysophanol, emodin, physcion and aloe-emodin were isolated each at over 98% purity.
The adjuvant properties of a polydispersed beta-(1,4)-linked acetylated mannan, acemannan (ACE-M), were evaluated. Day-old broiler chicks were randomly selected and allocated to four flocks (Vac 1-4). The Vac 1 flock was sham vaccinated with saline. The Vac 2 flock was vaccinated with an oil-based vaccine (Breedervac III; Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and infectious bronchitis virus). The Vac 3 flock was vaccinated with a vaccine-ACE-M mixture, and the Vac 4 flock was vaccinated with vaccine and ACE-M at separate anatomical sites. ELISA titres to NDV and IBDV were determined. The immune response to NDV at 21 days postvaccination (PV) was significantly enhanced (P less than or equal to 0.05) by the addition of ACE-M to the vaccine, compared with vaccination without ACE-M. Subsequently, the vaccine-ACE-M mixture appeared to suppress the immune response to NDV. However, at day 35 PV, 95% of the Vac 3 chicks compared with 90% of the Vac 2 and 89% of the Vac 4 chicks exhibited protective titres. The response to IBDV differed from that to NDV. At day 21 PV the immune response to IBDV was essentially the same for all flocks that received vaccine, i.e. addition of ACE-M to the vaccine did not significantly enhance the immune response; however, it did significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) sustain the immune response at days 28 and 35. In addition to the observed effect on titres to NDV and IBDV, ACE-M also had an effect on flock immunity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Acemannan, a complex carbohydrate shown to stimulate interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha and prostaglandin E2 production by macrophages, has also demonstrated antiviral activity in vitro against human immunodeficiency virus, Newcastle disease virus and influenza virus. A pilot study was undertaken to determine acemannan's effect in 49 feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected cats with clinical signs of disease (Stage 3, 4 or 5), 23 of which had severe lymphopenia. Cats received acemannan either by intravenous (Group 1) or subcutaneous (Group 2) injection once weekly for 12 weeks, or by daily oral (Group 3) administration for 12 weeks. Upon entry into the study, cats were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Laboratory analyses were performed at the beginning of the study and at Weeks 6 and 12. Cats were allowed to continue with a predetermined maintenance regimen of acemannan after completing the 12-week study. Thirteen cats died during the course of treatment. Upon necropsy, the most frequent histopathologic findings were neoplastic, kidney and pancreatic disease. Friedman's two-way ANOVA test showed no significant differences in efficacy among groups administered acemannan by the different routes. Therefore, groups were combined and a signed-ranks test was used to determine changes over time. A significant increase was seen in lymphocyte counts (P < 0.001). Neutrophil counts decreased significantly (P = 0.007), as did incidence of sepsis (P = 0.008). When cats entering with lymphopenia were analyzed separately, a much greater increase in lymphocyte counts was noted (235%) compared with non-lymphopenic cats (42%). A survival rate of 75% was found for all three groups. Thirty-six of 49 animals are alive 5-19 months post-entry. These results suggest that acemannan therapy may be of significant benefit in FIV-infected cats exhibiting clinical signs of disease.
The effect of oral lentinan, a biological response modifier, on the control of systemic immune function was studied in six-week-old male Wistar-Imamichi specific-pathogen free rats. In the lentinan-treated group, 1 mg of lentinan dissolved in 1 ml of physiological saline was administered forcibly into the stomach twice weekly for four or eight weeks. Physiological saline alone was administered in a similar fashion to the control group. Leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were made and lymphocyte subsets measured using monoclonal antibodies W3/13, W3/25, and OX8, and a laser flow cytometry system. The T-cell level, the helper/inducer T-cell level, and the suppressor/cytotoxic T-cell level were measured. The peripheral leukocyte and lymphocyte counts did not change significantly in either group during treatment. After four weeks of treatment, however, the lentinan group had a significantly higher T-cell level, helper-cell level, and helper-suppressor ratio, and a significantly lower suppressor-cell level than did the control group. No significant between-group differences in the lymphocyte subsets or the helper-suppressor ratio were noted after eight weeks of treatment. Oral administration of lentinan appears to modulate the systemic immune function through stimulation of T cells, especially helper cells. Continued administration produced less effect, possibly due to a tolerance to the effect of lentinan.
Aloe barbadensis polysaccharide was partially digested with cellulase and further purified by dialysis, stepwise ethanol precipitation, and size exclusion chromatography. Crude modified Aloe polysaccharide (MAP) activated macrophage cells and stimulated fibroblast growth. Under the same conditions, native Aloe barbadensis gel had no effect on macrophage activation. MAP prevented ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-induced immune suppression as determined by contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response in C3H/HeN mice. This in vivo activity was correlated with the activity of MAP to inhibit UVB irradiation-induced tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) release from human epidermoid carcinoma cells (KB cells). MAP with an average molecular weight of 80,000 Dalton (Da) contained mannose, galactose, and glucose in a ratio of 40 : 1.4 : 1.0. MAP was likely a linear, highly acetylated molecule.
Abbreviations
MAP:modified Aloe polysaccharide
UVB:Ultraviolet B
CHS:contact hypersensitivity
TNF-α:Tumor necrosis factor α
DNFB:dinitrofluorobenzene
KB cells:human epidermoid carcinoma cells
We have characterized a new immunostimulatory polysaccharide called Aloeride from commercial aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) juice. Aloeride is between 4 and 7 million Da, and its glycosyl components include glucose (37.2%), galactose (23.9%), mannose (19.5%), and arabinose (10.3%). At 0.5 microg/mL Aloeride increased NF-kappa B directed luciferase expression in THP-1 human monocytic cells to levels 50% of those achieved by maximal concentrations (10 microg/mL) of LPS. Aloeride induced the expression of the mRNAs encoding IL-1beta and TNF-alpha to levels equal to those observed in cells maximally activated by LPS. Acemannan, the major carbohydrate component from aloe, used at 200 microg/mL in the macrophage assay resulted in negligible NF-kappa B activation. Analysis of acemannan and Aloeride using size-exclusion chromatography suggests that the low activity of acemannan is due to trace amounts of Aloeride. Although Aloeride comprises only 0.015% of the aloe juice dry weight, its potency for macrophage activation accounts fully for the activity of the crude juice.
Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Ayurveda and other Indian literature mention the use of plants in treatment of various human ailments. India has about 45000 plant species and among them, several thousands have been claimed to possess medicinal properties. Research conducted in last few decades on plants mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for diabetes have shown anti-diabetic property. The present paper reviews 45 such plants and their products (active, natural principles and crude extracts) that have been mentioned/used in the Indian traditional system of medicine and have shown experimental or clinical anti-diabetic activity. Indian plants which are most effective and the most commonly studied in relation to diabetes and their complications are: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Cajanus cajan, Coccinia indica, Caesalpinia bonducella, Ficus bengalenesis, Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium, Swertia chirayita, Syzigium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia and Trigonella foenum graecum. Among these we have evaluated M. charantia, Eugenia jambolana, Mucuna pruriens, T. cordifolia, T. foenum graecum, O. sanctum, P. marsupium, Murraya koeingii and Brassica juncea. All plants have shown varying degree of hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity.