ALOE VERA: A REVIEW OF ITS CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS
Abstract
Aloe vera has been used for over five thousand years. Throughout history, it has been considered a magical plant, almost a panacea, capable of remedying many of mankind’s ailments. It is only in the last 20 years, after a series of proven research, that we can highlight the characteristics of this plant, whose secrets have been hidden behind a blanket of botanical and pharmacological puzzles that only today begin to yield some answers. The Aloe vera plant and its clinical uses are briefly reviewed in this article.
... It also aids in reducing radioderamtitis, psoriasis and genital herpes infection 7 .This is attributed to its various pharmacological actions which include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and. antifungal actions 9 . ...
... Literature is abundant on the health beneficial effects of Aloe Vera but to date, few studies have been conducted to test its antibacterial efficacy on enamel surface. [9][10][11][12][13] Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe Vera as antibacterial agent. ...
Background: The dental bacteria have a role in the etiology of dental caries. One of the most important criteria of the toothpaste is the antibacterial activity. Aloe Vera has been known for its antibacterial effect. Aim or purpose: This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Aloe Vera containing toothpaste versus fluoride containing and chlorhexidine containing tooth pastes. Abstract Materials and Methods: Antibacterial effect of the materials tested were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus Acidophilus (LB) using Agar diffusion test and Direct contact test. In Agar diffusion test; 200 µl of bacterial suspension were spread on blood agar plates. Each tested material was inserted into uniform wells that were previously punched in the agar. After incubation at 37°C for 48 hours, the diameter of the inhibition zone formed was measured in millimeters in two perpendicular locations for each sample. In Direct contact test, measuring the optical density (OD) of bacterial growth was done using Spectrophotometer at 600 nm wavelength after incubation for 120hrs and measured after 5days. Two sets consisting of 96 well plates each were used. A 10 µl bacterial suspension was placed on the tested sample. The plates were then positioned horizontally and 245 ml of BHI broth were added to each well and incubated for 1 hour. Bacterial growth was estimated by following changes in OD in each well. Results: in Agar diffusion test for SM and LB revealed a statistical significant difference between groups. Aloe Vera tooth paste group showed the highest mean value (mean± SD) of inhibition while fluoride toothpaste group showed the lowest mean value (mean± SD) of inhibition. In Direct Contact test of the tested materials with SM and LB showed that there was a statistical significant difference between the groups. Pair wise comparisons between the groups revealed that fluoride toothpaste showed the highest statistical significant mean OD while Aloe Vera toothpaste showed the lowest statistical significant mean OD. Conclusion: Aloe Vera has a potential antibacterial activity compared to chlorhexidine and flouride toothpaste against SM and LB.
... Aloe species are progressively integrated into various cosmetic items, health beverages, foods, and drinks owing to the advantageous biological activities of the phytochemicals predominantly present in the leaves. alkaloids, anthraquinones, organic compounds, pyrones, phytosterols, anthrones, sterols, vitamins, proteins, and mineral components [2,5,6]. The concentration variation of these chemical elements depends on the plant part utilised, extraction method, solvent, growth stage, and plant origin. ...
Aloe vera has historically been utilised for the treatment of skin injuries (such as burns, cuts, insect bites, and dermatitis) and digestive issues due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing attributes. The research on this medicinal plant focusses on substantiating traditional applications and elucidating the mechanism of action, as well as identifying the chemicals responsible for these effects. Similarly, novel effects have been explored for Aloe vera and its active constituents, particularly emphasising its potential as a cytotoxic, antitumoural, anticancer, and antidiabetic drug. Over the past six years, the majority of pharmacological research has comprised in vitro and in vivo trials. In vitro research predominantly focus on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antitumor, anticancer, and skin protective effects. It is particularly important to highlight that various in vitro studies assess the preventive effects of Aloe vera in bone disorders, including osteoporosis. The findings on bone protection are encouraging; however, it is essential to do further studies with experimental animals and humans. In vivo studies are designed to assess cardioprotective effects, cytotoxicity, antitumor and anticancer activities, as well as skin protection efficacy. Clinical trials are constrained in comparison to in vitro and in vivo testing, concentrating mostly on digestive and dermal protective effects. Furthermore, these clinical trials have solely utilised Aloe vera, excluding its isolated components; hence, it would be pertinent to investigate the therapeutic effects of significant metabolites across various human diseases and illnesses. Research over the past six years has concentrated on the principal active compounds: aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, amodin, and acemannan. Aloe-emodin and aloin have been the most extensively researched among these compounds. Aloe-emodin has emerged as a potential drug with antibacterial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, and bone protective properties in in vitro investigations, as well as anti-inflammatory and skin protective effects in in vivo research. Aloin shown efficacy in inflammatory processes and bone illnesses (in vitro studies) as well as in cancer and cardiovascular diseases (in vivo studies). The encouraging outcomes of fundamental research promote an increased number of clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic application of Aloe vera and its primary constituents, especially regarding bone protection, cancer, and diabetes.
... It gives the nutrition to the hair. It also maintains the glossy or shiny appearance to the hair [47][48][49][50][51][52]. Hair also regulates different functions in human body. ...
Medicinal plants is showing its pivotal role from earlier days to till now for healing different kinds of hair related problems. Those plants are having different active chemical constituents like alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, resins, volatile oils, fixed oils, proteins, saponins, enzymes, vitamins, terpenoids, minerals, etc. These active chemical constituents helps to overcome different hair problems and very useful in the treatment of hair. Various kinds of hair problems come in daily life like dry hair, oily hair, dirty hair, air discoloration, dandruffs, unnecessary hair falls and not growing hair, damaged hair follicles, etc. Sometimes oil, conditioner, shampoo, cleaner, nourisher, etc various types of formulations of medicinal plants are used to treat the hair troubles. Different medicinal plants like coconut, hibiscus, brahmi, henna, bhringraj, neem, amla, shikakai, almond, tea, henna, etc reduce these hair related problems. This study shows that different types of hair related problems, formulations, medicinal plants & uses of their chemical constituents in treatment of hair problems.
... Pada beberapa bayi, penggunaan lidah buaya segar dapat menyebabkan reaksi alergi atau iritasi kulit, terutama jika ada residu lateks alami yang terdapat pada lapisan luar daun lidah buaya. Kandungan dari gel lidah buaya meliputi air, polisakarida seperti glukomanan dan acemannan, karboksipeptidase, mineral seperti magnesium, seng, kalsium, komponen nutrisi seperti glukosa, kolesterol, asam salisilat, gamma linolenat asam (GLA), vitamin A, C, E, lignin, saponin, sterol, dan asam amino [13].Lidah buaya merupakan jenis tanaman yang mengandung bahan alami dengan berbagai manfaat seperti pelembab kulit, penyembuh luka, antioksidan, anti jamur, anti inflamasi, anti penuaan, dan anti septik.Kandungan mucopolysaccharide dalam lidah buaya dapat membantu meningkatkan tingkat kelembapan kulit dan merangsang fibroblas untuk memproduksi kolagen dan elastin, menjadikan kulit lebih elastis.Oleh karena itu, penggunaan lidah buaya sebagai bahan pelembab dalam penanganan dermatitis popok saat ini tengah mengalami perkembangan pesat [14]. Temuan ini menjadi landasan untuk melakukan penelitian dengan menggunakan sediaan dalam bentuk hydrogel lidah buaya sebagai perawatan untuk mengatasi iritasi akibat ruam popok atau diapers rash pada bayi. ...
Diaper rash occurs in approximately 25% of all babies born worldwide, with 6,840,507,000 experiencing diaper rash due to the use of diapers. The main causes of diaper rash are the growth of fungi and bacteria. Diaper rash can be treated using non-pharmacological therapy, one of which is the use of aloe vera gel. The purpose of this study is to prove the effectiveness of aloe vera gel in healing diaper rash in babies aged 0-12 months. This research was conducted in Kediri City from January to March. The sample in this study consisted of 36 baby respondents aged 0-12 months using random sampling. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group design. The intervention group was given aloe vera hydrogel, while the control group was given zinc oxide ointment, then measured using the diaper dermatitis grading scale score. This study used the repeated measures ANOVA test. The results showed an average difference of 0.750 in the intervention group and 0.584 in the control group. It was shown that the effectiveness of healing diaper rash in the intervention group was 51.02%, and in the control group, it was 41.13%. Data analysis with a P-value < 0.05 indicated a difference in healing between the administration of zinc oxide and aloe vera in reducing diaper rash scores. The administration of aloe vera hydrogel is significantly effective in healing diaper rash in babies aged 0-12 months. Future research could use a narrower age range of babies.
... Aloe vera, known for its constituents like aloin, mannan, and polysaccharides, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties (Surjushe, Vasani, & Saple, 2008). These components are believed to mitigate nipple inflammation and expedite the healing of chafed nipple sores (Yustiza, et al., 2023;Itrat, & Zarnigar, 2013) This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an aloe vera-based topical therapy product in reducing nipple chafing in breastfeeding mothers in Hamparan Perak District. ...
In Indonesia, a study revealed that approximately 86.4% of breastfeeding mothers encounter nipple issues such as blisters, dryness, and pain. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that chafed nipples contribute to substantial pain, discomfort, and diminished milk production among nursing mothers, thereby posing a hindrance to exclusive breastfeeding initiatives. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of an aloe vera-based topical therapy product in reducing nipple chafing in breastfeeding mothers in Hamparan Perak District. Conducted as an experimental study with a pre-test and post-test control group design, the research transpired in Hamparan Perak village. The study enlisted breastfeeding mothers experiencing sore nipples, with 20 individuals in the intervention group receiving aloe vera-based topical therapy in gel form, and 20 individuals in the control group receiving a placebo. The assessment of effectiveness centered on measuring blister occurrence and nipple pain scores both before and after the intervention, employing the Mann-Whitney test for data analysis. Bivariate analysis utilizing the Mann-Whitney U-test yielded a significant P-value of 0.001. Consequently, it can be inferred that aloe vera gel demonstrably influences nipple pain, with aloe vera gel proving to be 5,537 times more effective in pain reduction. Future research could incorporate objective measures, such as clinical assessments or laboratory analyses, to validate the reported outcomes.
The creation and assessment of a polyherbal powder including Aloe vera gel powder and Moringa oleifera for possible nutritional and medicinal advantages is the main goal of the current investigation. Aloe vera gel is well-known for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing qualities, while Moringa oleifera is abundant in vital nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive components. Moringa oleifera leaves and Aloe vera gel were dried and ground into a fine powder to create the formulation. It was then characterized using physicochemical characteristics, stability, and solubility. To guarantee the blend's effectiveness and shelf stability, its moisture content, particle size, pH, and phytochemical components were assessed. Using conventional in vitro techniques, functional characteristics like antioxidant activity and antibacterial potential were evaluated.According to the findings, the formulation maintained a sizable amount of bioactive components and showed encouraging antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The formulation's suitability for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods was further validated by sensory analysis and dissolving investigations. According to the study's findings, a blend of Moringa oleifera and aloe vera gel powder provides a unique, stable, and bioactive formulation that may find use in pharmaceutical, skin care, and health supplement products. Its clinical effectiveness and bioavailability require more investigation.
Phlebitis is a nosocomial infection caused by microorganisms and is characterized by clinical symptoms experienced by patients for 3x24 hours during the treatment period in the hospital. Appropriate handling both pharmacological and non-pharmacological in phlebitis can help minimize pain and injury in children. Compress is an alternative non-pharmacological treatment that can be done using several types of compresses, namely warm compresses, 0.9% NaCl compresses and aloe vera gel compresses. This type of research is quantitative research with descriptive analytic research design. The sample used amounted to 15 respondents children who are treated in the aster room of Prof. Dr. Margono Soekarjo Purwokerto Hospital with incidental sampling technique. The main variable in this study is the degree of phlebitis. This research data analysis is carried out interactively, in which there are three components, namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The degree of phlebitis in children decreased every day after giving warm compresses, 0.9% NaCl compresses and aloe vera gel compresses and did not cause side effects during the intervention process with an average decrease on days 2 and 3. The results of giving warm compresses to 5 respondents showed a decrease in the degree of phlebitis with an average value of degree of phlebitis 3 to degree of phlebitis 2. While giving 0.9% NaCl compress 1 respondent recovered from phlebitis with a degree score of 0 from the previous degree score of 2. For the administration of aloe vera gel compresses on 5 respondents showed a decrease with an average value of degree of phlebitis 2 to 0 and 4 of the total 5 respondents given the intervention showed a degree score of 0 or recovered from phlebitis. Giving compresses helps reduce the degree of phlebitis in children so that it can be used as an alternative intervention against the incidence of phlebitis in children.
Hand hygiene is important because it can easily be transmitted through direct contact with microbial spores produced during coughing and sneezing. It is important to prevent the spread of the disease, especially in cases such as epidemics, through the use of antibiotics. This can be achieved by establishing and maintaining strict infection control equipment such as good hygiene in hospitals and public places. The aim of this study is to prepare an alcohol-based sanitizer against bacterial infections. After the test, the pH value of the disinfectant is between 6.65 and 6.67. The viscosity of the antiseptic is between 389 cps to 835. The spread ability was good and found in range between 6.55 to 7.18 g-cm/sec. The drug content of Eucalyptus Oil in formulations was found to be 93% in F1 and 97.5% in F2. In-vitro drug release study was found to be 56.2% in F1 and 60.6% in F2, and the stability of the preparation remained stable after 3 months of storage. All these studies showed that the F2 formulation is the best as it has better pH, viscosity, spreading ability and safety.
Nickel ferrite nanoparticles (NiFe2O4 NPs) were synthesized using the medicinally important plant Aloe vera leaf extract, and their structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The synthesized NPs were soft ferromagnetic and spinel in nature, with an average particle size of 22.2 nm. To the best of our understanding, this is the first comprehensive investigation into the antibacterial, anticandidal, antibiofilm, and antihyphal properties of NiFe2O4 NPs against C. albicans as well as drug-resistant gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and gram-negative multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-P. aeruginosa) bacteria. NiFe2O4 NPs showed potent antimicrobial activity (MIC 1.6–2 mg/mL) against the test pathogens. NiFe2O4 NPs at 0.5 mg/mL suppressed biofilm formation by 49.5–53.1 % in test pathogens. The study found that the NPs not only prevent the formation of biofilm, but also eliminate existing mature biofilms by 50.5–75.79 % at 0.5 mg/mL, which was further validated by SEM. SEM examination revealed a reduction in the number of cells that form biofilms and adhere to the surface. Additionally, it considerably impeded the colonization and aggregation of the biofilm strains on the glass surface. Light microscopic examination demonstrated that NPs effectively prevent the expansion of hyphae, filaments, and yeast-to-hyphae transformation in C. albicans, resulting in a substantial decrease in their ability to cause infection. Moreover, SEM images of the treated cells exhibited the presence of wrinkles, deformities, and impaired cell walls, which suggests an alteration and instability of the membrane. This study demonstrated the efficacy of the greenly manufactured NPs in suppressing the proliferation of candida, drug-resistant bacteria, and their preexisting biofilms, as well as yeast-to-hyphae transformation. Therefore, these NPs with broad spectrum applications could be utilized in health settings to mitigate biofilm-related health conditions caused by pathogenic microbial strains.
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.
The antigenotoxic and chemopreventive effect of Aloe barbadensis Miller (polysaccharide fraction) on benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-DNA adducts was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Aloe showed a time-course and dose-dependent inhibition of [3H]B[a]P-DNA adduct formation in primary rat hepatocytes (1x10(6) cells/ml) treated with [3H]B[a]P (4 nmol/ml). At concentrations of 0.4-250 microg/ml aloe, the binding of [3H]B[a]P metabolites to rat hepatocyte DNA was inhibited by 9.1-47.9%. Also, in rat hepatocytes cultured for 3-48 h with aloe (250 microg/ml) and [3H]B[a]P (4 nmol/ml), [3H]B[a]P-DNA adducts were significantly reduced by 36% compared with [3H]B[a]P alone. Aloe also inhibited cellular uptake of [3H]B[a]P in a dose-dependent manner at a concentration of 0.4-250 microg/ml by 6.3-34.1%. After a single oral administration of B[a]P to male ICR mice (10 mg/mouse), benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide I (BPDE-I)-DNA adduct formation and persistence for 16 days following daily treatment with aloe (50 mg/mouse) were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal antibody 8E11. In this animal model, BPDE-I-DNA adduct formation was significantly inhibited in various organs (liver, kidney, forestomach and lung) (P < 0.001). When mice were pretreated with aloe for 16 days before B[a]P treatment, inhibition of BPDE-I-DNA adduct formation and persistence was enhanced. Glutathione S-transferase activity was slightly increased in the liver but cytochrome P450 content was not affected by aloe. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of aloe on BPDE-I-DNA adduct formation might have a chemopreventive effect by inhibition of B[a]P absorption.
A material having antibradykinin activity on isolated guinea pig ileum was partially purified from the nondialysate of the pulp of Aloe saponaria by repetition of gel chromatography using a hydrophilic polyvinyl gel and dextran gels. From the results of amino acid and carbohydrate analyses, the antibradykinin-active material was estimated to be a glycoprotein. It was found that this material catalyzes the hydrolysis of bradykinin at pH 7.4. The results of peptide analysis using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with amino acid analysis indicate that this glycoprotein cleaves the Gly4-Phe5 and Pro7-Phe8 bonds of the bradykinin molecule.
The influence of Aloe vera (L.) Burman f. on the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) components of the matrix in a healing wound was studied. Wound healing is a dynamic and complex sequence of events of which the major one is the synthesis of extracellular matrix components. The early stage of wound healing is characterized by the laying down of a provisional matrix, which is then followed by the formation of granulation tissue and synthesis of collagen and elastin. The provisional matrix or the ground substance consists of GAGs and proteoglycans (PGs), which are protein GAG conjugates. In the present work, we have studied the influence of Aloe vera on the content of GAG and its types in the granulation tissue of healing wounds. We have also reported the levels of a few enzymes involved in matrix metabolism. The amount of ground substance synthesized was found to be higher in the treated wounds, and in particular, hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulphate levels were increased. The levels of the reported glycohydrolases were elevated on treatment with Aloe vera, indicating increased turnover of the matrix. Both topical and oral treatments with Aloe vera were found to have a positive influence on the synthesis of GAGs and thereby beneficially modulate wound healing.
Cultures of normal chicken spleen cells and HD11 line cells produce nitric oxide (NO) in response to Acemannan, a complex carbohydrate derived from the Aloe vera plant. Neither cell type produced detectable amounts of NO in response to similar concentrations of yeast mannan, another complex carbohydrate. Nitric oxide production was dose dependent and inhibitable by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-methyl-L-arginine. In addition, the production of NO was inhibited by preincubation of ACM with concanavalin A in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that ACM-induced NO synthesis may be mediated through macrophage mannose receptors, and macrophage activation may be accountable for some of the immunomodulatory effects of ACM in chickens.
A new antiinflammatory agent identified as 8-[C-beta-D-[2-O-(E)-cinnamoyl]glucopyranosyl]-2- [(R)-2-hydroxypropyl]-7-methoxy-5-methylchromone (1) has been isolated from Aloe barbadensis Miller. At a dose of 200 microg/mouse ear, 1 exhibited topical antiinflammatory activity equivalent to 200 microg/ear of hydrocortisone. There was no reduction in thymus weight caused by treatment with 1 for any of the doses tested, while 200 microg/ear of hydrocortisone resulted in a 50% decrease in thymus weight.
Recent evidence from in vitro and in vivo experiments suggests that topical antimicrobials may be toxic to fibroblasts and keratinocytes and retard wound healing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Aloe, a potential wound-healing agent, on wound contraction in excisional wounds treated with topical antimicrobials. Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared with four 1.5 cm2 dorsal defects through the skin and panniculus. The animals were divided into five groups (n = 10 per group): (1) Aloe, (2) NaOCl solution (0.025%), (3) mafenide acetate, (4) mafenide acetate + Aloe, and (5) control. Wounds were treated topically for 14 days 3 times a day. Serial standard photographs and serial wound planimetry were performed weekly. Following healing, the breaking strength of each resultant scar was determined using an Instron tensiometer. Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, and multiple comparison methods were used for data analysis. Aloe and NaOCl solution significantly accelerated wound contraction (p < 0.05). In the mafenide acetate + Aloe group, contraction was similar to the control, whereas the mafenide acetate alone retarded wound healing. The addition of Aloe in combination and alone in wounds increased the breaking energy when compared to controls (p < 0.05). Aloe appears to expedite wound contraction and neutralize the wound retardant effect seen with the topical mafenide acetate alone. This effect appears to be due to an increased collagen activity, which is enhanced by a lectin, consequently improving the collagen matrix and enhancing the breaking strength.
Wound healing is a fundamental response to tissue injury that results in restoration of tissue integrity. This end is achieved mainly by the synthesis of the connective tissue matrix. Collagen is the major protein of the extracellular matrix, and is the component which ultimately contributes to wound strength. In this work, we report the influence of Aloe vera on the collagen content and its characteristics in a healing wound. It was observed that Aloe vera increased the collagen content of the granulation tissue as well as its degree of crosslinking as seen by increased aldehyde content and decreased acid solubility. The type I/type III collagen ratio of treated groups were lower than that of the untreated controls, indicating enhanced levels of type III collagen. Wounds were treated either by topical application or oral administration of Aloe vera to rats and both treatments were found to result in similar effects.
An examination glove that delivers aloe vera (AV) gel to the gloved hand was studied in 30 adult females with bilateral occupational dry skin with or without irritant contact dermatitis (with or without erythema, fissures, and excoriations).
All participants were factory assembly-line workers with repeated superficial skin trauma who attributed their dry, irritated, emollient-dependent skin to a common cause (occupational exposure). Participants were sequentially enrolled (after written informed consent, n = 29 evaluable participants) into an open, contralateral comparison study to evaluate efficacy of AV glove use 8 h/day to one hand versus no use to the opposite hand for 30 days, followed by 30 days rest, followed by 10 days of repeated use. Participant's dorsal hands were documented by standardized photos at baseline, during, and at the end of study.
Unblinded investigator baseline assessment rated dry skin as mild to moderate (n = 27), or moderate to severe (n = 2). Mean time to noticeable improvement for the AV glove hand was 3.5 days (range: 2-6 days) whereas marked improvement was 10.4 days (range: 7-17 days) for the AV glove hand. No improvement was detected for nonglove hands. Blinded photo assessment was rated independently by dermatology research staff. End-of-study mean global assessment of AV glove hands versus nonglove hands was 1.3 for AV glove hand (0 = no change, 1 = good [10%-89% global improvement], 2 = marked improvement [90%-100% global improvement]) versus 0 for nonglove hand (P <.0001). Mean global end-of-study assessments by the participants = 2.0 for AV glove hand versus 0 for nonglove hand.
Dry-coated AV gloves that provide for gradual delivery of AV gel to skin produced a uniformly positive outcome of improved skin integrity, decreased appearance of fine wrinkling, and decreased erythema in the management of occupational dry skin and irritant contact dermatitis.