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Aloe vera extract 0.5% in hydrophilic cream versus aloe vera gel for the management of genital herpes in males. A placebo‐controlled, doubleblind, comparative study
... It has been reported as a potential candidate for the isolation of natural antiviral products that can be used in the development of drugs against HSV infection. 0.5% of the extract and gel of the plant in hydrophilic cream have been demonstrated for their efficacy in the management of genital herpes in males (Syed et al., 1996). Aloe-emodin, an anthraquinone from the plant has been shown to exhibit inhibitory effects on HSV-1 and HSV-2 by blocking nucleic acid biosynthesis leading to immature termination of the viral proteosynthesis (Mpiana et al., 2020). ...
Medicinal plants are being used as an alternative source of health management to cure various human ailments. The healing role is attributed to the hidden dynamic groups of various phytoconstituents, most of which have been recorded from plants and their derivatives. Nowadays, medicinal plants have gained more attention due to their pharmacological and industrial potential. Aromatic compounds are one of the dynamic groups of secondary metabolites (SM) naturally present in plants; and anthraquinones of this group are found to be attractive due to their high bioactivity and low toxicity. They have been reported to exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, immune-suppressive, antioxidant, antipyretic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities. Anthraquinones have been also shown to exhibit potent antiviral effects against different species of viruses. Though, it has been reported that a medicinal plant with antiviral activity against one viral infection may be used to combat other types of viral infections. Therefore, in this review, we explored and highlighted the antiviral properties of anthraquinones of Polygonaceae, Rubiaceae and Asphodelaceae families. Anthraquinones from these plant families have been reported for their effects on human respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus. They are hence presumed to have antiviral potential against SARS-CoV as well. Thus, anthraquinones are potential candidates that need to be screened thoroughly and developed as drugs to combat COVID-19. The information documented in this review could therefore serve as a starting point in developing novel drugs that may help to curb the SARS-COVID-19 pandemic.
... 140 A. vera gel extracts are conducive to treating genital herpes in males. 141 Acemannan polysaccharide is a representative acetylated mannan extracted from A. vera gel and has been approved by the USFDA for the treatment of AIDS in humans. 142 Gauntt et al. 143 also reported that Aloe polymannose can increase the titers of specific antibodies in mice infected with coxsackievirus B3, thereby inducing antiviral effects. ...
The outbreak of novel coronavirus (nCoV) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 during December 2019 in Wuhan, China, has posed an International Public Health Emergency worldwide and forced people to confine their homes. This virus is of high-risk category and is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The worldwide researchers and various health professionals are working together to determine the best way to stop its spread or halt this virus's spread and circumvent this pandemic condition threatening millions of human beings' lives. The absence of definitive treatment is possible to explore to reduce virus infection and enhance patient recovery. Along with off-label medicines, plasma therapy, vaccines, the researchers exploit the various plants/herbs and their constituents to effectively treat nCoV infection. The present study aimed to present brief and most informative salient features of the numerous facts regarding the SARS-CoV-2, including the structure, genomic sequence, recent mutation, targeting possibility, and various hurdles in research progress, and off-labeled drugs, convalescent plasma therapy, vaccine and plants/herbs for the treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Results showed that off-labeled drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, tocilizumab, antiviral drug (remdesivir, favipiravir), etc., give positive results and approved for use or approved for restricted use in some countries like India. Future research should focus on these possibilities that may allow the development of an effective treatment for the COVID-19.
... An extract of mannose from Aloe was treated in vitro and reduced HIV replication rate by as much as 30% as reported by Laura et al. [34]. Extract of Aloe vera is used for the treatment of genital herpes that is caused by virus [35]. Aloe vera juice mixed with fruit juice may be taken daily for chronic viral infections. ...
Ethno veterinary medicine covers up knowledge, skills, methods, practices and beliefs of people about the indigenous care of their animals and themselves. The use of medicinal plants to treat infections is an old practice in developing countries where there is dependence on traditional medicine to maintain human and animal health. Aloe vera is perennial succulent xerophytes which develops water storage tissue in the leaves to survive in dry areas of low or erratic rainfall. Its name supposedly derived from alloeh, meaning bitter a tribute to the taste of the leaf exudate. The heterogenous composition of the Aloe vera may contribute to the diverse pharmacological and therapeutic activities. Guava is a phytotherapic plant and commonly known as poor man's apple. It is well accepted due to rich in minerals, vitamins and phenolic compounds. Both of herbal plants are well known for their pharmacological activates peculiarly for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, organo-protective, wound healing and anti-diabetic activities. Aloe vera plants has been associated with some adverse effects particularly hypersensitivity reaction, allergic reaction and sever dermatitis in condition. There is no reported toxic, mutagenic and abnormal interaction of guava leaf. Extensive investigation on its pharmacodynamics and kinetics is needed to exploit their therapeutic utility to combat various diseases.
... Same is linked with professional as well as personal status of individuals as well (Godoy et al., 2005). In Pakistani territory, here also females use beauty care products while having some defined purposes in their mind like to minimize aging effect, to make their skin fresh and shine, to give smoothness to their skin or sometimes as part of their makeover (Syed et al., 1996). Again here female's thinking is to enhance overall personality image after enhancing their physical attractiveness (Dion et al., 1972). ...
... Based on the macroscopic assessment of the severity of the injuries, performed with the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT), which assigns a score from 1 (not severe) to 5 (very bad) to some characteristics of the lesion itself, the authors have demonstrated the antibacterial action of aloe, excluding the possible occurrence of hypersensitivity due to topical treatment ( Jia et al., 2008). In addition to animal studies, clinical trials were conducted with humans on dermabrasion, psoriasis, genital herpes, radiation-induced toxicity and other diseases ( Fulton, 1990;Syed et al., 1996aSyed et al., , 1996bWilliams et al., 1996;Pereira et al., 2014;Avijgan et al., 2016). Additional studies have compared the use of aloe gel and silver sulfadiazine in the treatment of burns ( Thamlikitkul et al., 1991;Khorasani et al., 2009;Shahzad and Ahmed, 2013), however, there are no studies that compare the effectiveness of these substances in the treatment of skin wounds in dogs and cats. ...
The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the topical application of Aloe barbadensis Miller (juice and fresh gel) to skin wounds, in dogs and cats, with that of topically applied silver sulfadiazine cream. The sample included 16 patients with cutaneous wounds (13 dogs and three cats) that were divided into three groups. Aloe vera "juice" and "fresh gel" were applied for groups I and II, respectively, while silver sulfadiazine was applied for the control group III. In order to evaluate the healing of wounds, the following parameters were taken into consideration: the percentage of wound shrinkage, the healing time and the macroscopic appearance of the scarring process. The interpretation of the data relating to the percentage of wound shrinkage showed a faster rate for groups I and II compared to that of group III. However, the wound shrinkage rates between "juice" and "fresh gel" protocols were not significantly different. Aloe vera was more effective than silver sulfadiazine, in accelerating wound shrinkage, reducing healing time and decreasing the severity of the associated injuries.
... The ointment was applied three times daily for five consecutive days (15 applications total per week) for four weeks.When patients were checked after eight months, far more psoriasis skin lesions had healed in the aloe group (82.8%) than in the placebo group (7.7%). Further, 83.3% of the aloe group was considered cured of their psoriasis compared to only 6.6% of the placebo group 53 . According to a double-blind study that enrolled 60 men and women with mild to moderate symptoms of psoriasis, Aloe vera cream may be helpful for this chronic skin condition. ...
John Goodyew translated first reference from term ‘Dioscorides Medical treatise De Materia Medica’ into English terminology as use of Aloe vera in A.D. 1655; moreover, in early 1800s it used as laxative whereas in the mid 1930s successful treatment was introduced for chronic and severe radiation dermatitis. Since, several cultures of the history have been showed impression of foot print for use of Aloe vera, major includes Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China. Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra regularly involved it in their beauty regimes whereas Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’ wounds. Aloe vera is well known plant not only in tribal community but modern lookout also make it therapeutic important. Since it is used in Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Allopathic medicine because various research support that it contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugar and other bioactive compounds. Although therapeutic use of Aloe vera covered wide range of activity major includes emollient, purgative, antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic, its benefits so myriad and astounding that no part in human body remains uninfluenced by its healing touch; all these make it plant of wonder. The modern therapeutic approach for beauty enhancer also list Aloe vera as most favorable plant in cosmetic industries. In this review we are trying to approach and underlying every possible corner associated with medicinal use of Aloe vera.
... In several countries work is carried out to evaluate the action of Aloe for curing cancer (Sánchez-Robles 2002). The main medicinal uses for the previously mentioned species are presented in Table 2. Shida et al. 1985 Anti-diabetic activity Ajabnoor 1990 Anti-cancer in rat liver Tsuda et al. 1993, Inahata and Nakasugi 1995, Kim and Lee 1997Anti-leukemic Kupchan and Karim 1976, Grimaudo et al. 1997 Watson 1983, Natow 1986, Danof 1987, McKeown 1987, Fox 1990, Marshal 1990, Briggs 1995 Inhibition of histamine by hysidine decarboxilase Rubel 1983, Natow 1986, Marshal 1990, Shelton 1991, Canigueral and Vila 1993 Inhibition of pain-producing substances such as bradykinin or tromboxane Rubel 1983, Natow 1986, Danof 1987, Fox 1990, Marshal 1990, Shelton 1991, Canigueral and Vila 1993 Action on immune system Rubel 1983, Griggs 1996Antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral Klein and Penneys 1988, Marshal 1990, Ahmad et al. 1993 Winters 1991 Reduction of gastric lesions and ulcers Saito 1993, Bland 1985, Sakai et al. 1989, Blitz et al. 1963Anti-diabetic activity Agarwal 1985, Noel et al. 1997, Ghannam et al. 1986, Ajabnoor 1990, Yongchaiyudha et al. 1996, Bunyapraphatsara et al. 1996 Anti-cancer (pulmonary, stomach, colon) Soeda 1969Anti-bacterial Gottshall et al. 1949, Lorenzetti et al. 1964, Reynolds 1966, Robson et al. 1982, Kaufman et al. 1989, Levin et al. 1988, Heggers et al. 1995, Cera et al. 1980, Azghani et al. 1995, Bunyapraphatsara et al. 1996Anti-fungal Stuart et al. 1997Antiviral Pulse and Uhlig 1990, McDaniel et al. 19871988, Nordgren et al. 1992, Sharma et al. 1994, Ritchie et al. 1994, McAnalley et al. 1988, Yates et al. 1992, Kemp et al. 1990, Kahlon et al. 1991, Marshal and Druck 1993, Imanishi and Suzuki 1984, Montaner et al. 1996, Sydiskis et al. 1991, Syed et al. 1996, Saoo et al. 1996UV and X-Ray burns treatment Crowell et al. 1989, Danof 1993, Stachow et al. 1984, Lindblad and Thul 1994, Lee et al. 1997, Sabeh et al. 1996 ...
Aloe species are used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes since ancient times. There are 300 species but only a few have purported curative properties. This work reports on Aloe classification of species as well as their reported medicinal uses; the information also considers the chemical structure and bioactive compounds identified in several species. The crassulacean acid metabolism of species is reviewed for photosynthesis and transpiration processes. Finally, Aloe vera is discussed in detail for botanical classification, cropping and alternatives for bioprocessing including the results obtained by our research group.
... Dianthrones and other anthraquinone derivatives like rhein and emodin have antiviral activity against human cytomegalovirus but, due to their low bioavailability systemic antiviral effects are less. Two randomized clinical trials, conducted by the same research group [77, 78] indicate that topical application of Aloe vera might be effective against the first episodes of genital herpes. In the first study they divided 120 patients into three parallel groups treated with placebo, Aloe gel or Aloe cream three times daily for two weeks. ...
Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Family Liliaceae) is an evergreen perennial succulent plant widely used from antiquity. Aloe vera contains various carbohydrate polymers, notably glucomannans, along with a range of other organic and inorganic components. Phenolic compounds have been identified so far as chromone, anthraquinone or anthrone derivatives. Three distinct preparations of aloe plants are mostly used in medicinal practices that are quite different in their chemical composition and their therapeutic properties, aloe latex (aloe); aloe gel (Aloe vera); and, aloe whole leaf (aloe extract). Aloe latex is used for its laxative effect; aloe gel is used topically for skin ailments, such as wound healing, psoriasis, genital herpes and internally by oral administration in diabetic and hyperlipidaemic patients and to heal gastric ulcers; and, aloe extract is potentially useful for cancer and AIDS. Aloe vera possesses several pharmacological properties such as promoting and healing wound and burn, frost-bite healing, with addition to having antiinflammatory, antifungal, hypoglycemic and gastroprotective properties. This review explored the phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge as well as several promising aspects for research on aloe.
... In the reviewed trials, no withdrawals or serious adverse reactions were reported. Three patients experienced allergic reactions.42434445 All adverse effects were reversible and A. vera was generally very well tolerated. ...
Aloe vera is a versatile plant with a numerous health benefits. It has various outstanding features like anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-tumor which help in accelerating wound healing and in treating various lesions of the oral cavity. Although it has clinically proven benefits, its practical use in repairing oral lesions still warrants further research. The A. vera plant, its properties, mechanism of action and clinical uses in dentistry are briefly reviewed in the current article.
... The observed pharmacological activities of Av gel include anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic and anticancer activities (Vogler and Ernst, 1999; Holanda et al., 2009; Capasso et al., 1998; Reynolds and Dweck, 1999) with physiologic hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic (Holanda et al., 2009; Patel and Mengi, 2008) and Immuno stimulatory (Pugh et al., 2001) activities. Recently, Aloe vera gel has been associated with some side effects which include burning after topical application (Fulton, 1990), contact dermatitis (Williams et al., 1996) and mild hitching (Syed et al., 1996); hepatotoxicity in man (Rabe et al., 2005) and rat (Holanda et al., 2009). In the mice, high dose was associated with decreased red cell count as well as sperm damage (Shah et al., 1989). ...
Male Wistar rats were used to study the effects of graded concentration of Aloe vera gel on the gonadosomatic index and the spermatozoa morphological characteristics. Ninety six rats (140 to 255 g) were randomly grouped into four: A (Control), B (200 mg/kg), C (300 mg/kg) and D (400 mg/kg); and were treated for one, two and three weeks. Samples were collected after each of these periods. The results revealed significant increase (p<0.05) in the gonadosomatic index of the testis and the epididymis as well as significant increase (p<0.05) in the percentage of spermatozoa abnormalities in the test groups when compared with the control. These increase (p<0.05) were concentration-dependent for each week and increases (p<0.05) with duration of administration from the first week to the third week. It was therefore concluded that Aloe vera gel should be used with caution in breeding bulk, stud, ram and bull; and should be less than 200 mg/kg when being administered for up to 7 consecutive days.
... The ointment was applied three times daily for five consecutive days (15 applications total per week) for four weeks.When patients were checked after eight months, far more psoriasis skin lesions had healed in the aloe group (82.8%) than in the placebo group (7.7%). Further, 83.3% of the aloe group was considered cured of their psoriasis compared to only 6.6% of the placebo group 53 . According to a double-blind study that enrolled 60 men and women with mild to moderate symptoms of psoriasis, Aloe vera cream may be helpful for this chronic skin condition. ...
John Goodyew translated first reference from term ‘Dioscorides Medical treatise De Materia Medica’ into English
terminology as use of Aloe vera in A.D. 1655; moreover, in early 1800s it used as laxative whereas in the mid 1930s
successful treatment was introduced for chronic and severe radiation dermatitis. Since, several cultures of the history
have been showed impression of foot print for use of Aloe vera, major includes Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan
and China. Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra regularly involved it in their beauty regimes whereas Alexander
the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’ wounds. Aloe vera is well known plant not only in tribal
community but modern lookout also make it therapeutic important. Since it is used in Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and
Allopathic medicine because various research support that it contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids,
natural sugar and other bioactive compounds. Although therapeutic use of Aloe vera covered wide range of activity
major includes emollient, purgative, antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic,
antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic, its benefits so myriad and astounding that no part in human body remains
uninfluenced by its healing touch; all these make it plant of wonder. The modern therapeutic approach for beauty
enhancer also list Aloe vera as most favorable plant in cosmetic industries. In this review we are trying to approach
and underlying every possible corner associated with medicinal use of Aloe vera.
... It apparently hinders the virus's ability to reproduce. A. vera showed antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus (Zandi et al., 2007), and its gel and extract (0.5%) in hydrophilic cream were applied for the management of genital herpes in males (Syed et al., 1996). A pharmaceutical formula containing A. vera was used in treatment of cervical high risk human papillomavirus (HRHPV) infection (Iljazovic et al., 2006). ...
Evaluation of the antiviral activities of flowers, flower-peduncles, leaves, and roots of Aloe hijazensis against haemagglutinating viruses of avian paramyxovirus type-1 (APMV-1), avian influenza virus type A (AI-H5N1), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and egg-drop syndrome virus (EDSV) in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos were carried out. Extract of the flowers and leaves showed relatively higher activity than the extracts of other plant parts. Thirteen compounds were isolated from both the flowers and flower-peduncles of A. hijazensis. The isolated compounds were classified into: five anthraquinones; ziganein, ziganein-5-methyl ether, aloesaponarin I, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, one dihydroisocoumarin; feralolide, four flavonoids; homoplantaginin, isoorientin, luteolin 7-glucuronopyranoside, isovitexin, one phenolic acid; p-coumaric acid, the anthrone; barbaloin together with aloenin. Eleven compounds were attributed to the flowers and seven to the flower-peduncles. Homoplantaginin and luteolin 7-glucuronopyranoside are reported here for the first time from Aloe spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activity of those plant parts.
... r In a prior published Letter to the Editor, Syed et al. described a randomized, double-blind controlled trial in 120 men in Pakistan, in which 0.5% topical aloe extract gel or cream, or placebo, was applied to male patients with first episode of genital herpes. 98 Treatment was administered three times/day, for five consecutive days/week, for two weeks. Aloe in hydrophyllic cream was noted to significantly shorten the duration of lesions versus gel or placebo (4.8 days, 7.0 days, and 14.0 days respectively). ...
ABSTRACT
An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
... r In a prior published Letter to the Editor, Syed et al. described a randomized, double-blind controlled trial in 120 men in Pakistan, in which 0.5% topical aloe extract gel or cream, or placebo, was applied to male patients with first episode of genital herpes. 98 Treatment was administered three times/day, for five consecutive days/week, for two weeks. Aloe in hydrophyllic cream was noted to significantly shorten the duration of lesions versus gel or placebo (4.8 days, 7.0 days, and 14.0 days respectively). ...
An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
Plants are incredibly significant in the lives of people around the world. People rely on plants to satisfy basic human needs like food, clothing, shelter, and health care. Because of a rising world population, increasing wages, and urbanization, these needs are growing rapidly. Of course, plants provide food directly and often feed livestock that is then eaten on their own. The value of plants is likely to become fairer among countries as world economies become more accessible and market-oriented through trade agreements such as those from the World Trade Organization. The socio-economic significance of such an understanding of plants is defined in this chapter by providing evidence of the multiple benefits of plant breeding in and beyond agriculture based on reproducible findings and scientific evidence for arable crops.
Aloe vera is that the oldest healthful plant ever known and also the most applied healthful plant worldwide. Extracts of aloe could be a well-tried skin expert. aloe facilitate to assuage skin injuries full of burning, skin irritations, cuts and bug bites, and its disinfectant properties relieve itch and skin swellings. it's known to assist block the looks of wrinkles and actively repair the broken skin cells that cause the visible signs of aging. Succulent could be a powerful detoxifier, antiseptic and tonic for the nervous system. It conjointly has immune-boosting and anti-viral properties. Analysis has well-tried that adding aloe to one's diet improves digestion. As a general health tonic, Aloe could be a helpful supply of vitamins. aloe Gel contains an oversized vary of vitamins-even B complex, Vitamin A, contains B-Group vitamins, Vitamin C, fat-soluble vitamin and pteroylglutamic acid. Our aim is to determine the effect of effect of aloevera in different cancer in women. We have taken different cancer cell line and treated them with different concentration of the aloe vera. The effect of the extraction was measured by different spectroscopic analysis i.e Fluorescence Anisotropy, also confirmatory test has been done by the MTT assay Reactive Oxygen Species analysis (ROS) .
Medicinal plants are a good source for preparation of new drugs. Aloe vera [L.] is one of the valuable medicinal plants native to hot and dry zones and is usually planted outdoors in hot areas. Currently, various products obtained from this plant are produced in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries all over the world. Various products from this plant including beverages and cosmetic products are available. Consideration of this species and development of its processing industries in these regions can be an important step in job creation and proper use of poor agricultural lands. In this paper we aim to present the updates on Aloe vera plant, focusing on, botany, the phytomedicinal compounds, structural properties of the leaves.
Aloe vera, one of nature's most curative medicinal plants, has been traditionally used as alternative treatment against a plethora of human ailments in various countries like China, India, and Egypt, amongst others. Its therapeutic attributes have been well investigated and proven by numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Native to North Africa, this succulent plant has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment and management of a wide range of conditions including skin disorders, constipation, noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, cancer and even AIDS. During the past recent years, the commercialisation of crude Aloe vera extracts and/or formulated products has experienced a boom in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and the wellness industries. The beneficial effects of Aloe vera can be attributed to the panoply of phytonutrients and phytochemicals including non-nutritive constituents like phenolic compounds present in the plant. This chapter attempts to give an updated overview of the therapeutic uses of Aloe vera extracts and related formulation in the treatment and manage of human diseases.
The interest of Phytotherapy in the treatment of vulvovaginitis is recent and it is mainly due to the adverse reactions, toxicity and relapses that are often produced by standard drug therapies. A literature search using medical bibliography databases and alternative medicine websites detected a total of 13 clinical trials. Three of them were in Chinese, for which it was only possible to obtain the summary. Methodological quality was assessed, inferring the level of evidence. Key findings are discussed. We emphasize the usefulness of green tea catechins in the syntomatic treatment of genital warts.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species that is originated in North Africa. It is cited as being used in herbal medicine. It has several actions such as anti inflammatory, anti diabetic activities. It consists of vitamins, minerals, polysaccharide, monosaccharide. it is also used in cosmetics. It has wide use in dentistry also. It is used in healing of various oral leisions, tissues after extraction. It also has beneficial effects in the world of medicine.
Plant and phytochemicals are widely used by the traditional medicinal and dental practitioners for curing various diseases in their day to day practice. Phytomedicine have been the highly esteemed source of medicine throughout human history. About 25-30 percent of today's prescription drugs contain chemical moieties derived from plants. Some of these herbs and their active chemical constituents which have a role in the management of root canal failure caused by E.faecalis are compiled here and discussed in this review. The results of our literature studies support the use of this Phytomedicine for human and animal disease therapy and reinforce the importance of the ethnobotanical approach as a potential source of bioactive substances.
Aloe vera belongs to the family Liliacae, and is commonly called Quargandal, Ghritkumari, Gheekvar, katraazhai or kumari. It is widely used in medicines. It has been used to treat constipation, burns, genital herpes, dandruff, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and epilepsy. With the improvement in cosmetology, it has been proved that Aloe vera is a very important component of cosmetics.
A wide variety of active phytochemicals have been found to have therapeutic applications against genetically and functionally
diverse viruses. The antiviral mechanism of these agents may be explained on the basis of their antioxidant activities, scavenging
capacities, the inhibition of DNA, RNA synthesis, or the blocking of viral reproduction, etc. Numerous epidemiological and
experimental studies have revealed that a large number of phytochemicals have promising antiviral activities. Especially in
the last decade, a number of promising leads have been identified by a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies using diverse
biological assays.
Key WordsAntiviral-phytochemical-infection-replication-flavonoids-clinical trials-mechanism
Endemic of dry and warm climate, True Aloe with the scientific name Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. is an invaluable medicinal plant. It is cultivated in Iran in two southern provinces of Hormozgan and Boushehr and also grown in greenhouse in some other regions. Many derivatives of Aloe plant are in use in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Despite the fact that Aloe is endemic of Southern Iran, several kinds of finished products such as soft drinks and cosmetics are being imported to the country now. Since Aloe can be cost-effectively cultivated in poor soil and water resource conditions of the southern provinces of Iran, expansion of its cultivation and processing facilities can be a remarkable step for both job creation and efficient exploitation of the poor farmlands in this part of the country.
It has been reported that an active aloe polysaccharide isolated from Aloe barbadensis Miller exerted various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-hepatitis, anti-gastric ulcer, and anti-tumorigenicity in animals. Adverse health effects of aloe are of concern in humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate a tolerable upper intake level (UL) of active aloe or a maximal allowable daily intake (ADImax) of active aloe based on 4-wk oral toxicity investigation in ICR mice. An active aloe was daily administered to male and female ICR mice for 4 wk at different dose levels (0, 120, 600, 3000, or 15,000 mg/kg body weight [bw]). All animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and changes of body weight, food consumption, organ weights, and hematological and biochemical parameters were recorded. In this study, no changes in clinical signs, urinalysis, or hematological or biochemical analysis were observed. In females, a dose-dependent quantitative decrease in albumin (ALB) levels was observed, but it was not significant, due to wide interindividual variations. A significant decrease in male kidney weight was observed from the 120-mg/kg to the 15,000-mg/kg bw treatment groups, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were also quantitatively lower. A dose-dependent reduction in the body weight of females was also observed, which might be related to less food consumption. Based on the reduced kidney weights in males, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) of an active aloe was estimated to be 120 mg/kg bw in male ICR mice, and the UL or ADImax was 0.4 mg/kg bw/d [(120 mg/kg bw/d)/(100 for safety factor) x (3 for modifying factor)], or 24 mg for a 60-kg adult (24 mg x 200 = 4.8 g of aloe gel/d/adult), assuming that consumers utilize active aloe for a month. Data showed that an active aloe did not induce any remarkable subacute toxic effects, but decreased male kidney weights, which requires further investigation.
Aloe vera is a natural product that is now a day frequently used in the field of cosmetology. Though there are various indications for its use, controlled trials are needed to determine its real efficacy. The aloe vera plant, its properties, mechanism of action and clinical uses are briefly reviewed in this article.
Aloe vera Linne or aloe barbadensis Miller is a succulent from the Aloe family (400 different species), a tropical plant which is easily grown in hot and dry climates and widely distributed in Asia, Africa and other tropical areas. The use of aloe vera is being promoted for a large variety of conditions. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize all dermatology-oriented in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical trials on aloe vera preparations. Extensive literature search were carried out to identify all in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials on the subject. Data were extracted from these in a predefined standardized manner. Forty studies were located. The results suggest that oral administration of aloe vera in mice is effective on wound healing, can decrease the number and size of papillomas and reduce the incidence of tumors and leishmania parasitemia by >90% in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Topical application of aloe vera is not an effective prevention for radiation-induced injuries and has no sunburn or suntan protection. It can be effective for genital herpes, psoriasis, human papilloma virus, seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, xerosis, lichen planus, frostbite, burn, wound healing and inflammation. It can also be used as a biological vehicle and an anti-microbial and antifungal agent and also as a candidate for photodynamic therapy of some kinds of cancer. Even though there are some promising results with the use of aloe vera for diverse dermatologic conditions, clinical effectiveness of oral and topical aloe vera is not sufficiently and meticulously explored as yet.
Numerous numbers of biologically active agents have been identified for their diverse therapeutic functions. Detailed investigations of phytochemicals for antiviral activities have assumed greater importance in the last few decades. A wide variety of active phytochemicals, including the flavonoids, terpenoids, organosulfur compounds, limonoids, lignans, sulphides, polyphenolics, coumarins, saponins, chlorophyllins, furyl compounds, alkaloids, polyines, thiophenes, proteins and peptides have been found to have therapeutic applications against different genetically and functionally diverse viruses. The antiviral mechanism of these agents may be explained on basis of their antioxidant activities, scavenging capacities, inhibiting DNA, RNA synthesis, inhibition of the viral entry, or inhibiting the viral reproduction etc. Large number candidate substances such as phytochemicals and their synthetic derivatives have been identified by a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies in different biological assays. In this article we have made attempts to extensively review and provide comprehensive description of different phyto-antiviral agents. We have examined the recent developments in the field of plant derived antiviral agents. The major advances in the field of viral interactions in various biological assays have been summarized. In addition sources of origin, major viral studies mechanistic action and phase trials of various phytoantiviral agents have been included in the review.
The use of aloe vera is being promoted for a large variety of conditions. Often general practitioners seem to know less than their patients about its alleged benefits.
To define the clinical effectiveness of aloe vera, a popular herbal remedy in the United Kingdom.
Four independent literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis, and the Cochrane Library. Only controlled clinical trials (on any indication) were included. There were no restrictions on the language of publication. All trials were read by both authors and data were extracted in a standardized, pre-defined manner.
Ten studies were located. They suggest that oral administration of aloe vera might be a useful adjunct for lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients as well as for reducing blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia. Topical application of aloe vera is not an effective preventative for radiation-induced injuries. It might be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. Whether it promotes wound healing is unclear. There are major caveats associated with all of these statements.
Even though there are some promising results, clinical effectiveness of oral or topical aloe vera is not sufficiently defined at present.
The objective of this article is to provide a brief, but critical, overview of the evidence related to complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) use, and to offer valid and useful information for dermatologists in clinical practice. Systematic literature searches were conducted on these databases: Medline, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CISCOM and AMED (until October 2000). Where appropriate, the evaluation of the published literature was based on systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. After scanning the literature it was decided to focus on a selection of two conditions (atopic dermatitis and chronic venous insufficiency) and two treatment modalities (aloe vera gel and tea tree oil). Data for the life-time prevalence of CAM use by patients with dermatological disease ranges between 35 to 69%. The most popular modalities include herablism and (other) dietary supplements, while atopic dermatitis is one of the conditions most frequently treated with CAM. For patients with atopic dermatitis the evidence relates to autogenic training, hypnotherapy, diet, herbal medicine, and dietary supplements. Compelling evidence of effectiveness exists for none of these therapies. However, some promising data have been reported for those with a psychological component: autogenic training, biofeedback and hypnotherapy. For chronic venous insufficiency there is relatively convincing evidence for the effectiveness of oral horse chestnut seed extract. The data for aloe vera gel and tea tree oil indicate that for neither is there compelling evidence of effectiveness. The use of CAM treatments is not free of risk; direct and indirect risks associated with CAM must be considered.
Conventional antiviral drugs have proven effectiveness for genital herpes; however, patients continue to use a variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. Given that patients may be using these products, it is important that healthcare providers become familiar with the data regarding safety and efficacy. We have reviewed available scientific data on six commonly used treatments (echinacea, eleuthero, L-lysine, zinc, bee products and aloe). In addition, information about a number of other products is presented in tabular form. Currently, there are insufficient clinical data to be confident of the efficacy and safety of any of these products for the treatment of genital herpes. It is hoped that future clinical trials will be conducted with sufficient rigour to provide guidance to the patients using these products.
A Practical, Authoritative CompendiumThis handbook catalogs 365 species of herbs having medicinal or folk medicinal uses, presenting whatever useful information has been documented on their toxicity and utility in humans and ani-mals. Plants from all over the world - from common cultivars to rare species - are included in these 700 pages. The toxicity of these species varies, but the safety of each has been formally or informally questioned by the Food and Drug Administration, National Cancer Institute, Department of Agriculture, Drug Enforcement Administra-tion, or Herb Trade Association. Easy-to-Locate Facts and FiguresDesigned to enable fast access to important information, this hand-book presents information in both catalog and tabular forms. In the catalog section, plants are presented alphabetically by scientific name. (The index permits you to locate an herb by its common name.) A detailed sketch of the chief identifying features accompa-nies most catalog entries. For each species the following information, as available, is presented and referenced: Family and colloquial namesChemical contentUses and applications - present and historicalProcessing, distribution, and economic potentialToxicological agents and degree of toxicityPoison symptoms in humans and animalsTreatment and antidotes References to original literature Five Tables of Accessible DataGiven a plant species, you can easily determine its toxins; or, given a toxin, you can discover which plants contain it. These and other data are presented in convenient tabular formats as appendixes to the handbook. Other information contained in these tables include toxicity ranking and other toxicity data (as applicable), such as mode of contact, organs affected, and lethal dose; and proximate analyses of selected foods. These tables are titled: Medicinal Herbs: Toxicity Ranking and PricelistToxins: Their Toxicity and Distribution in Plant GeneraHigh Plant Genera and Their ToxinsPharmacologically Active PhytochemicalsProximate Analyses of Conventional Plant Foods
We review the scientific literature regarding the aloe vera plant and its products. Aloe vera is known to contain several pharmacologically active ingredients, including a carboxypeptidase that inactivates bradykinin in vitro, salicylates, and a substance(s) that inhibits thromboxane formation in vivo. Scientific studies exist that support an antibacterial and antifungal effect for substance(s) in aloe vera. Studies and case reports provide support for the use of aloe vera in the treatment of radiation ulcers and stasis ulcers in man and burn and frostbite injuries in animals. The evidence for a potential beneficial effect associated with the use of aloe vera is sufficient to warrant the design and implementation of well-controlled clinical trials. 27 references.
The authors' previous work on a 50% ethanol extract of Aloe vera was done to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity using the croton oil-induced ear swelling assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was found in the supernatant fraction. The supernatant fraction decreased inflammation, when applied topically, by 29.2%, and the precipitate decreased inflammation by 12.1%. However, in the present work, the precipitate fraction decreased the wound diameter by an average of 47.1% (stimulatory system). Little or no wound healing activity was found in the supernatant. Aloe vera appears to act as a modulatory system toward wounds and inflammation and is a potentially valuable tool for managing lower extremity conditions.
We review the scientific literature regarding the aloe vera plant and its products. Aloe vera is known to contain several pharmacologically active ingredients, including a carboxypeptidase that inactivates bradykinin in vitro, salicylates, and a substance(s) that inhibits thromboxane formation in vivo. Scientific studies exist that support an antibacterial and antifungal effect for substance(s) in aloe vera. Studies and case reports provide support for the use of aloe vera in the treatment of radiation ulcers and stasis ulcers in man and burn and frostbite injuries in animals. The evidence for a potential beneficial effect associated with the use of aloe vera is sufficient to warrant the design and implementation of well-controlled clinical trials.
Topical acyclovir (ACV) in polyethylene glycol (PEG) ointment has been disappointing in the treatment of recurrent herpes
simplex virus infections in immunocompetent patients. To investigate the possible role of poor drug delivery from this formulation,
we studied the penetration of ACV through excised human skin from three vehicles; PEG ointment, modified aqueous cream, and
dimethyl sulfoxide. A second antiviral agent, idoxuridine, was studied in the same formulations, and drug delivery through
excised guinea pig skin was also assessed for comparison. The delivery of ACV from PEG ointment was very slow for both human
and guinea pig skin (drug flux, 0.055 and 0.047 microgram/cm2 per h, respectively). Formulation of ACV in modified aqueous
cream and in dimethyl sulfoxide resulted in an 8- and 60-fold increase, respectively, in the flux of ACV through human skin.
Idoxuridine behaved similarly to ACV in the three vehicles. The poor clinical results seen with topical use of ACV ointment
may be due in part to retarded drug delivery from this formulation.
The purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of topical Aloe vera extract 0.5% in a hydrophilic cream to cure patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Sixty patients (36M/24F) aged 18-50 years (mean 25.6) with slight to moderate chronic plaque-type psoriasis and PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores between 4.8 and 16.7 (mean 9.3) were enrolled and randomized to two parallel groups. The mean duration of the disease prior to enrollment was 8.5 years (range 1-21). Patients were provided with a precoded 100g tube, placebo or active (with 0.5% Aloe vera extract), and they self-administered trial medication topically (without occlusion) at home 3 times daily for 5 consecutive days per week (maximum 4 weeks active treatment). Patients were examined on a weekly basis and those showing a progressive reduction of lesions, desquamation followed by decreased erythema, infiltration and lowered PASI score were considered healed. The study was scheduled for 16 weeks with 12 months of follow-up on a monthly basis. The treatment was well tolerated by all the patients, with no adverse drug-related symptoms and no dropouts. By the end of the study, the Aloe vera extract cream had cured 25/30 patients (83.3%) compared to the placebo cure rate of 2/30 (6.6%) (P < 0.001) resulting in significant clearing of the psoriatic plaques (328/396 (82.8%) vs placebo 28/366 (7.7%), P < 0.001) and a decreased PASI score to a mean of 2.2. The findings of this study suggest that topically applied Aloe vera extract 0.5% in a hydrophilic cream is more effective than placebo, and has not shown toxic or any other objective side-effects. Therefore, the regimen can be considered a safe and alternative treatment to cure patients suffering from psoriasis.
Failure of topical acyclovir in ointment to penctrale htiman skin
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Isolation of II siimulatory system in an aloe extract. J Am Podiair Med [A| Ziegenmeyer J. The itifluence of the vehicle on the absorption and p*.'rmcation of drujis
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Dermal and Transdermal Absorption
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Aloe vera, its chemical and therapeutical properties
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