The dark side of miracle plant-Aloe vera: a review

Therapeutic Potential of Aloe vera and Aloe vera-Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles on Mice Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is a hazardous heavy metal that induces hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Thus, this study was planned to explore the ameliorating capacity of Aloe vera leaf gel extract (AV) and their conjugated silver nanoparticles (AVNP) against Cr (VI) induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity. The organ indices, level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, total protein, and creatinine in blood serum were measured. The histopathological and micrometric analysis of the hepatic and renal tissue sections were studied. The hepatosomatic index was raised significantly (0.098 ± 0.13 g) in Cr treated group. The blood serum level of AST (484 ± 10.7 U/L), ALT (163 ± 5.5 U/L), ALP (336.7 ± 9.5 U/L), MDA (642.3 ± 28.3 U/L), and creatinine (4.0 ± 0.1 mg/dL) were increased significantly, whereas total protein level was declined (2.8 ± 0.3 g/dL) significantly in Cr exposed group. In the histopathological study, necrosis, disturbed hepatic cords, impaired glomeruli, and Bowman's capsule were noted. Micrometric data from the liver and kidney revealed a significant surge in the size of hepatocytes and their nuclei (1188.2 ± 467.7 µ2 and 456.5 ± 205.6 µ2) and CSA of glomeruli and Bowman's capsule (9051.8 ± 249.8 µ2 and 11,835.5 ± 336.7 µ2) in Cr (VI) exposed group, whereas the brush border (10.2 ± 4.0 µ) size declined significantly. The administration of AV and AVNP reduced the oxidative stress induced by Cr (VI).

Aloe vera-An Extensive Review Focused on Recent Studies

Since ancient times, Aloe vera L. (AV) has attracted scientific interest because of its multiple cosmetic and medicinal properties, attributable to compounds present in leaves and other parts of the plant. The collected literature data show that AV and its products have a beneficial influence on human health, both by topical and oral use, as juice or an extract. Several scientific studies demonstrated the numerous biological activities of AV, including, for instance, antiviral, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal. Moreover, its important antidepressant activity in relation to several diseases, including skin disorders (psoriasis, acne, and so on) and prediabetes, is a growing field of research. This comprehensive review intends to present the most significant and recent studies regarding the plethora of AV's biological activities and an in-depth analysis exploring the component/s responsible for them. Moreover, its morphology and chemical composition are described, along with some studies regarding the single components of AV available in commerce. Finally, valorization studies and a discussion about the metabolism and toxicological aspects of this "Wonder Plant" are reported.

Rational Design and Testing of Antibacterial Aloe Vera Hemostatic Hydrogel

Bleeding resulting from surgical procedures or trauma, including gunshot wounds, represents a life-threatening health issue. Therefore, the development of safe, effective, and convenient hemostatic agents is critical in securing the "golden time" to save patients' lives. Plant-derived compounds and plant extracts have been regarded as promising sources of hemostatic agents in previous studies, regulating hemostatic function with low toxicity and minimal side effects within the human body. Aloe vera-based hydrogels, which are characterized by flexible strength and high functionality, have emerged as a promising platform for wound applications due to their unique biocompatibility features. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the utilization of thickening agents and natural agents such as xanthan gum, carrageenan, Carbomer, and alginate in applying aloe vera-based hydrogels as a hemostatic. Furthermore, it also tests the use of aloe vera-based hydrogels for therapeutic delivery at wound sites through the incorporation of various antimicrobial agents to extend the utility of the hydrogels beyond hemostasis. Our novel applied research utilizes aloe vera-based hydrogel as an antimicrobial hemostatic agent, providing valuable insights for a wide range of applications and highlighting its potential to enhance hemorrhage control in various emergency scenarios.

Unveiling the Latest Breakthroughs: A Comprehensive Review of the Therapeutic Activity and Safety Profile of Aloe vera

The use of herbal drugs as alternative and complementary medicine has increased in popularity, raising concerns about their safety profile. Aloe vera, a plant with diverse therapeutic properties, has been extensively used for centuries. This review aims to assess the therapeutic activity and safety profile of Aloe vera. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gather relevant information from various biomedical databases. The chemical composition, mechanism of action, and therapeutic activities of Aloe vera were analyzed. Aloe vera contains numerous active components such as vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, and anthraquinones. Its mechanisms of action involve collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory effects, immune modulation, laxative properties, and antiviral activity. Aloe vera has demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits in wound healing, diabetes management, liver and kidney protection, and glycemic control. However, it is essential to consider potential side effects, such as skin irritation and allergic reactions. This review provides evidence-based information to improve patient safety and promote informed decisions regarding the use of Aloe vera as a therapeutic agent.

Identification and functional characterization of a novel aldo-keto reductase from Aloe vera

MAIN CONCLUSION

The present investigation profoundly asserted the catalytic potential of plant-based aldo-ketoreductase, postulating its role in polyketide biosynthesis and providing new insights for tailored biosynthesis of vital plant polyketides for therapeutics. Plants hold great potential as a future source of innovative biocatalysts, expanding the possibilities within chemical reactions and generating a variety of benefits. The aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily includes a huge collection of NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductases that carry out a variety of redox reactions essential for biosynthesis, detoxification, and intermediary metabolism. The present study involved the isolation, cloning, and purification of a novel aldo-ketoreductase (AvAKR) from the leaves of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) by heterologous gene expression in Escherichia coli based on the unigene sequences of putative ketoreductase and cDNA library screening by oligonucleotide hybridization. The in-silico structural analysis, phylogenetic relationship, and molecular modeling were outranged to approach the novelty of the sequence. Additionally, agroinfiltration of the candidate gene tagged with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) was employed for transient expression in the Nicotiana benthamiana to evaluate the sub-cellular localization of the candidate gene. The AvAKR preferred cytoplasmic localization and shared similarities with the known plant AKRs, keeping the majority of the conserved active-site residues in the AKR superfamily enzymes. The enzyme facilitated the NADPH-dependent reduction of various carbonyl substrates, including benzaldehyde and sugars, proclaiming a broad spectrum range. Our study successfully isolated and characterized a novel aldo-ketoreductase (AvAKR) from Aloe vera, highlighting its versatile NADPH-dependent carbonyl reduction proficiency therewith showcasing its potential as a versatile biocatalyst in diverse redox reactions.

Evaluation of zinc oxide nanocomposite with Aloe vera gel for packaging of chicken fillet against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella para typhi A

The growing demand for high food quality has been encouraging researchers in the food industry to apply biodegradable nanocomposites, which provide new opportunities and challenges for the advance of nanomaterials in the food industry. The objective of this study was to estimate the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity effects of zinc oxide nanocomposite/zeolite (c/Zeo) with Aloe vera gel (AG) and its effect on the shelf life of chicken meat. The ZnONPs/Zeo was assessed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analyses. The cytotoxicity effect of ZnONPs/Zeo was assessed by MTT assay. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ZnONPs/Zeo and ZnONPs/Zeo-AG against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella para typhi A were investigated. Also, the preservative effect of nanocomposites on chicken fillets was evaluated. The results showed that these nanocomposites have the least cytotoxicity effect, resulting in good biocompatibility with the host. The MIC and MBC values of ZnONPs/Zeo-AG were lower than the ZnONPs/Zeo against S. typhi and S. paratyphi A. Both ZnONPs/Zeo-AG and ZnONPs/Zeo caused a significant decrease in the bacterial count of the chicken fillets. So, by spraying on meat, the number of bacteria presented a sharper decline as compared with the control group, resulting in an approximately 3.3 and 3-log10 reduction over 48 h in the ZnONPs/Zeo-AG and ZnONPs/Zeo treatment samples, respectively. In conclusion, antimicrobial packaging with ZnONPs containing A. vera is a beneficial solution for preserving and improving the quality, safety, and shelf life of fresh meat products.

Protective effects of aloin on asthmatic mice by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a severe chronic respiratory disease affecting all age groups with increasing prevalence. Anti-inflammatory strategies are promising options for the treatment of asthma. Although the inhibitory effect of aloin on inflammation has been demonstrated in various diseases, its effect on asthma remains unknown.

METHODS

A mice asthma model was established by treating with ovalbumin (OVA). The effects and mechanism of aloin on the OVA-treated mice were determined by enzyme-linked--immunosorbent serologic assay, biochemical examination, hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's staining, and Western blot assay.

RESULTS

OVA treatment in mice significantly increased the number of total cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages and the concentration of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which were attenuated with the administration of aloin. The content of malondialdehyde was enhanced in OVA-treated mice, with the decreased levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, which were reversed with aloin treatment. Aloin treatment reduced the airway resistance of OVA-induced mice. The inflammatory cell infiltration around small airways was accompanied by the thickening and contraction of bronchial walls and pulmonary collagen deposition in OVA-treated mice; however, these conditions were ameliorated with aloin treatment. Mechanically, aloin upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway but inhibited the level of transforming growth factor beta-SMAD2/3 genes (TGF-β/Smad2/3) axis in OVA-induced mice.

CONCLUSION

Aloin treatment lessened airway hyperresponsiveness, airway remodeling, inflammation, and oxidative stress in OVA-treated mice, and was closely related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the weakening of TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway.

Involvement of the Intestinal Microbiota in the Appearance of Multiple Sclerosis: Aloe vera and Citrus bergamia as Potential Candidates for Intestinal Health

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological and inflammatory autoimmune disease of the Central Nervous System in which selective activation of T and B lymphocytes prompts a reaction against myelin, inducing demyelination and axonal loss. Although MS is recognized to be an autoimmune pathology, the specific causes are many; thus, to date, it has been considered a disorder resulting from environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Among the environmental factors hypothetically involved in MS, nutrition seems to be well related, although the role of nutritional factors is still unclear. The gut of mammals is home to a bacterial community of about 2000 species known as the “microbiota”, whose composition changes throughout the life of each individual. There are five bacterial phylas that make up the microbiota in healthy adults: Firmicutes (79.4%), Bacteroidetes (16.9%), Actinobacteria (2.5%), Proteobacteria (1%) and Verrucomicrobia (0.1%). The diversity and abundance of microbial populations justifies a condition known as eubiosis. On the contrary, the state of dysbiosis refers to altered diversity and abundance of the microbiota. Many studies carried out in the last few years have demonstrated that there is a relationship between the intestinal microflora and the progression of multiple sclerosis. This correlation was also demonstrated by the discovery that patients with MS, treated with specific prebiotics and probiotics, have greatly increased bacterial diversity in the intestinal microbiota, which might be otherwise reduced or absent. In particular, natural extracts of Aloe vera and bergamot fruits, rich in polyphenols and with a high percentage of polysaccharides (mostly found in indigestible and fermentable fibers), appear to be potential candidates to re-equilibrate the gut microbiota in MS patients. The present review article aims to assess the pathophysiological mechanisms that reveal the role of the microbiota in the development of MS. In addition, the potential for supplementing patients undergoing early stages of MS with Aloe vera as well as bergamot fibers, on top of conventional drug treatments, is discussed.