aloe

Aloe induces interferon and inhibits Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) and
Enterovirus 71 (E71) replication.

Aloe-emodin is an interferon-inducing agent with antiviral activity
against Japanese encephalitis virus and enterovirus 71.

1: J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Aug 12.. PMID: 18693743

Full Citation: "In this study, aloe-emodin was identified as a potential interferon
(IFN)-inducer by screening compounds from Chinese herbal medicine. Aloe-emodin showed
low cytotoxicity to human HL-CZ promonocyte cells and TE-671 medulloblastoma cells and
significantly activated interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) and gamma-activated
sequence (GAS)-driven cis-reporting systems. Moreover, aloe-emodin upregulated expression
of IFN-stimulated genes such as dsRNA-activated protein kinase and 2',5'-oligoisoadenylate
synthase. Aloe-emodin resulted in significant activation of nitric oxide production. The antiviral
activity of aloe-emodin against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and enterovirus 71 (EV71) was
evaluated using dose- and time-dependent plaque reduction assays in HL-CZ cells and TE-671
cells. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of aloe-emodin ranged from 0.50mug/mL to
1.51mug/mL for JEV and from 0.14mug/mL to 0.52mug/mL for EV71. Aloe-emodin showed clearly
potent virus inhibitory abilities and achieved high therapeutic indices, in particular for HL-CZ cells.
Therefore, the study demonstrated dose- and time-dependent actions of aloe-emodin on the
inhibition of JEV and EV71 replication via IFN signalling responses."

Patient Heal Thyself

Unless we put medical freedom into the Constitution the
time will come when medicine will organize itself into an
undercover dictatorship. To restrict the art of healing to
doctors and deny equal privileges to others will constitute
the Bastille of medical science. All such laws are
un-American and despotic
Dr. Benjamin Rush
Signer of the Declaration of Independence

Evaluation of antioxidant, antinociceptive, and
anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts from Aloe
saponaria Haw.

1: Phytother Res. 2008 Aug 7. PMID: 18688813

Aloe has antioxidant, antinociceptive and antinflammatory
activities that may benefit rheumatoid arthritis.

Excerpt: "Aloe species are traditionally prescribed for hypertension, burning, and rheumatoid arthritis.
To elucidate the mechanism of the antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory activities of this herb, the
ethanol fraction from A. saponaria Haw. was evaluated for antioxidative activity using xanthine-xanthine
oxidase (XO) assay, 2,2-Diphenyl-lpicrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay, lipopolysaccharide
(LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cell, and antinociceptive activity using a
tail-flick assay and hind paw pressure assay in cisplatin-treated hyperalgesic rats. The ethanol fraction
displayed potent antioxidative activities in XO assay. In addition, ethanol fractions showed potent
scavenging effects in DPPH assay. We next examined whether ethanol fractions showed
anti-inflammatory activities. Ethanol fractions significantly suppressed NO production from
LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. As expected, ethanol fractions dose-dependently inhibited the
messenger RNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Moreover, ethanol fractions potently
suppressed the expression of cycloxygenase (COX)-2 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating
factor (GM-CSF), which are stimulated by LPS in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, ethanol fractions
significantly blocked cisplatin-induced hyperalgesia using tail-flick assay and hind paw pressure test in
rats. Taken altogether, ethanol extracts of aloe may be useful as a functional food or as a drug
against reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated diseases."

Anti-Viral

Anti-Infammatory

Suppression of C-myc expression associates with
anti-proliferation of aloe-emodin on gastric cancer cells.

1: Cancer Invest. 2008 May;26(4):369-74.Click here to read . PMID:
18443957

Aloe suppresses proliferation of gastric cancer cells.

Excerpt: "Aloe-emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone found in Aloe vera, as well as in leaves
and roots of other plants. The mechanisms of its anticancer effect are largely unknown.
The present study investigated its molecular mechanisms. Crystal violet assay showed that
aloe-emodin had a long-term anti-proliferation effect on human gastric cancer MGC-803
and SGC-7901 cells. Scratch wound-healing motility assays indicated its anti-migration
effect. Aloe-emodin arrested SGC-7901 cells at G2/M phase. More importantly,
aloe-emodin inhibited the expressions of protein kinase C and c-myc. In conclusion, the
anticancer effect of aloe-emodin on gastric cancer cells involves suppression of
c-myc expression."

Anti-Cancer

Anticancer effect of aloe-emodin on cervical cancer cells involves
G2/M arrest and induction of differentiation.
1: Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2007 Dec;28(12):1991-5.
PMID: 18031614

Full Citation: "AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of
aloe-emodin, a natural compound from the root and rhizome of Rheum
palmatum, on the growth of human cervical cancer cells, HeLa. METHODS: HeLa
cells were treated with various concentrations of aloe-emodin for 1-5 d, and cell growth
was measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay.
The long-term growth effect was investigated by crystal violet assay. The distributions of
the cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The alkaline phosphatase
(ALP) activity was analyzed by a chemical analyzer. Finally, Western blotting was used to
indicate the abundant changes of protein kinase C (PKC), c-myc, cyclins,
cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
RESULTS: Aloe-emodin inhibited the growth of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner at
concentrations ranging between 2.5 and 40 micromol/L. The flow cytometric analysis
showed that HeLa cells were arrested at the G2/M phase. This effect was associated with
the decrease in cyclin A and CDK2, and the increase in cyclin B1 and CDK1. More
importantly, the ALP activity was found to be increased by aloe-emodin treatment, and
accompanied by the inhibition of PCNA expression. In addition, aloe-emodin suppressed
the expression of PKCalpha and c-myc. CONCLUSION: These findings provide a
possible mechanistic explanation for the growth inhibitory effect of aloe-emodin on
HeLa, which includes cell cycle arrest and inducing differentiation.."

Aloe induces cell arest in cervical cancer.

Chaperones are the target in aloe-emodin-induced human lung
nonsmall carcinoma H460 cell apoptosis.
1: Eur J Pharmacol. 2007 Nov 14;573(1-3):1-10. Epub 2007 Jul 12.Click here to
read
PMID: 18031614

Full Citation: "Our previous study has demonstrated that aloe-emodin induced a
significant change in the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in H460 cells.
However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological effects of aloe-emodin still
remain unknown. The present study applied 2D electrophoresis (pH range 4-7) to the
proteins involved in aloe-emodin (40 muM)-induced H460 cell apoptosis. Eleven proteins
were found to markedly change. These altered proteins were identified as ATP synthase,
vimentin, HSP60, HSP70 and protein disulfide isomerase. Aloe-emodin caused a
time-dependent decrease in intracellular ATP levels, which might be related to direct
inhibition of ATP synthase. We also observed that the activity of mitochondria was injured
by aloe-emodin. These data clearly demonstrated that mitochondria may play a critical
role in aloe-emodin-induced H460 cell death. Many reports emphasize that chaperones
have a complex role in apoptosis. The present study suggested that the increasing
protein expression of HSP60, HSP70, 150 kDa oxygen-regulated protein and protein
disulfide isomerase is involved in aloe-emodin-induced H460 cell apoptosis. HSP70, 150
kDa oxygen-regulated protein and protein disulfide isomerase are endoplasmic reticulum
chaperone. Therefore, we hypothesized that the increasing endoplasmic reticulum stress
serves to promote H460 cell apoptosis after treatment with aloe-emodin. We also
demonstrated aloe-emodin-induced H460 cell death through caspase-3 apoptotic
pathway, but not apoptosis-inducing factor apoptotic pathway.."

Aloe induces cell death in human lung nonsmall carcinoma.

Aloe-emodin-induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma
cells.

1: Food Chem Toxicol. 2007 Nov;45(11):2296-303. Epub 2007 Jun 12.
.PMID: 17637488

Aloe enduces apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells.

Excerpt: "The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect of
aloe-emodin, an anthraquinone compound present in the leaves of Aloe vera, on two
distinct human gastric carcinoma cell lines, AGS and NCI-N87. We demonstrate that
aloe-emodin induced cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Noteworthy is that
the AGS cells were generally more sensitive than the NCI-N87 cells. Aloe-emodin caused
the release of apoptosis-inducing factor and cytochrome c from mitochondria,
followed by the activation of caspase-3, leading to nuclear shrinkage and
apoptosis. In addition, exposure to aloe-emodin suppressed the casein kinase II activity in
a time-dependent manner and was accompanied by a reduced phosphorylation of Bid, a
downstream substrate of casein kinase II and a pro-apoptotic molecule. These preclinical
studies suggest that aloe-emodin represents a suitable and novel chemotherapeutic
drug candidate for the treatment of human gastric carcinoma."

A loe induces cell death in Leishmania donovani promastigotes.

Aloe vera leaf exudate induces a caspase-independent cell death in
Leishmania donovani promastigotes.
1: J Med Microbiol. 2007 May;56(Pt 5):629-36.
PMID: 17446285

Full Citation: "Leishmaniasis constitutes a complex of diseases with clinical and
epidemiological diversity and includes visceral leishmaniasis, a disease that is fatal when left
untreated. In earlier studies, the authors reported that Aloe vera leaf exudate (AVL) is a potent
antileishmanial agent effective in promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania
mexicana, Leishmania tropica, Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum and also in axenic
amastigotes of Leishmania donovani. In the present study, it has been demonstrated that, in
promastigotes of L. donovani (IC(50) = 110 microg ml(-1)), AVL mediates this leishmanicidal
effect by triggering a programmed cell death. Incubation of promastigotes with AVL caused
translocation of phosphatidylserine to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane as measured
by annexin V binding, which was accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential,
release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and concomitant nuclear alterations that included
chromatin condensation, deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP end labelling and DNA
laddering. As this AVL-induced leishmanicidal effect could not be inhibited by protease
inhibitors including Z-Val-Ala-dl-Asp (methoxy)-fluoromethylketone, a broad-spectrum caspase
inhibitor, non-involvement of caspases and major proteases was suggested. Additionally, AVL
treatment caused no increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) or generation of reactive oxygen
species, indicating that although promastigote death was induced by an apoptotic-like
mechanism similar to metazoan apoptosis, the pathways of induction and/or execution
differed at the molecular level."

Anti-Protozoan

Cytotoxicity of a natural anthraquinone (Aloin) against human breast
cancer cell lines with and without ErbB-2: topoisomerase IIalpha
coamplification.
1: Cancer Biol Ther. 2006 Jan;5(1):97-103. Epub 2006 Jan 22.Click here to read
PMID: 16357514

Full Citation: "In the present study the cytotoxic activity of aloin, a natural
anthracycline from Aloe plant, is reported against two human breast cancer cell
lines; without (MCF-7) and with (SKBR-3) erbB-2-topoIIalpha coamplification. MCF-7cell line
was shown to be more sensitive to aloin than SKBR-3 demonstrated by MTT and clonogenic
assays, from which IC50 and 50% ICF values are reported to be 60 microg/ml, respectively, in
the former cell line and as high as 150 and 80 microg/ml, respectively, in the latter, which are
still far below the maximum tolerated dose of the compound. The effect of aloin is suggested
to be brought about by more than one mechanism depending on the dose level and tumor
phenotype. This was demonstrated by flow cytometric analysis, fluorescence
microscopy and western blot analysis, which revealed that aloin at higher
concentrations caused a reduction in the proportion of cells undergoing mitosis by
induction of apoptosis, inhibition of topo II alpha protein expression and
downregulation of cyclin B1 protein expression in MCF-7 cell line, whereas erbB-2
protein expression was not affected. Topo IIalpha protein expression was mildly
downregulated in SKBR-3 cell line at higher concentrations only."

Aloe inhibits breast cancer cell lines.

Aloe has antileukaemic effect.

Induction of apoptosis in human leukaemic cell lines K562, HL60 and
U937 by diethylhexylphthalate isolated from Aloe vera Linne.

1: J Pharm Pharmacol. 2000 Aug;52(8):1037-41. PMID: 11007077

Full Citation: "We investigated the effect of diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) from Aloe vera Linne
on the apoptosis of human leukaemic cell lines K562, HL60 and U937 to examine its
pharmacological activity. At a level of 10 microg mL(-1) DEHP a significant anti-leukaemic effect
was observed for all three cell lines, as measured by clonogenic assay. After treatment with 10
microg mL(-1) DEHP for 4 h, agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometric analysis confirmed
the occurrence of apoptosis. These results indicate that DEHP isolated from Aloe vera Linne
has a potent antileukaemic effect, and thus represents a new type of pharmacological
activity with respect to human leukaemic cells."

Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on cutaneous microcirculation
and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats.
1: J Med Assoc Thai. 2000 Apr;83(4):417-25.
PMID: 10808702

Full Citation: "OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the microcirculatory and wound healing effects of
Aloe vera on induced second degree burn wounds in rats. METHOD: A total of 48 male Wistar rats
were equally divided into 4 groups as follows: sham controls, untreated burn-wound rats, those
treated with once-daily application of normal saline (NSS) and those treated with once-daily
application of lyophilized Aloe vera gel. The animals in each group were equally subdivided into 2
subgroups for the study of cutaneous microcirculation and wound healing on day 7 and 14 after
burn. Dorsal skinfold chamber preparation and intravital fluorescence microscopic technique were
performed to examine dermal microvascular changes, including arteriolar diameter, postcapillary
venular permeability and leukocyte adhesion on postcapillary venules. RESULTS: On day 7, the
vasodilation and increased postcapillary venular permeability as encountered in the untreated
burn were found to be reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in both the NSS- and Aloe vera-treated
groups, but to a greater extent in the latter. Leukocyte adhesion was not different among the
untreated, NSS- and Aloe vera-treated groups. On day 14, vasoconstriction occurred after the
wound had been left untreated. Only in the Aloe vera-treated groups, was arteriolar diameter
increased up to normal condition and postcapillary venular permeability was not different from the
sham controls. The amount of leukocyte adhesion was also less observed compared to the
untreated and NSS- treated groups. Besides, the healing area of the Aloe vera-treated wound was
better than that of the untreated and NSS- treated groups during 7 and 14 days after burn.
CONCLUSION: Aloe vera could exhibit the actions of both anti-inflammation and wound
healing promotion when applied on a second degree burn wound."

Aloe improves healing of second degree burns in rats.

Burn Healing

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Aloe (see also emodin)

Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a
placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
1: Trop Med Int Health. 1996 Aug;1(4):505-9..PMID: 8765459

Aloe gel is a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis.

Full Citation: "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."

The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus: a randomized controlled
trial.
1: Br J Dermatol. 2008 Mar;158(3):573-7. Epub 2007 Dec 17..PMID: 18093246

Aloe gel may provide a safe and effective alternative treatment for patients with oral
lichen planus.

Full Citation: "BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can be
painful especially in the atrophic and erosive forms. Several therapies have been tried, with varying
results. There is one case report in which aloe vera (AV) was used successfully in the treatment of
lichen planus. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of AV and placebo in the topical management of
OLP. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed. Fifty-four patients
were randomized into two groups to receive AV gel or placebo for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty-four
consecutive patients (34 women and 20 men) participated in the study. We found erosive and ulcerative
lesions in 83% and 17%, respectively. The most common site of OLP was the lower lip. Twenty-two of 27
patients treated with AV (81%) had a good response after 8 weeks of treatment, while one of 27
placebo-treated patients (4%) had a similar response (P<0.001). Furthermore, two patients treated with
AV (7%) had a complete clinical remission. Burning pain completely disappeared in nine patients treated
with AV (33%) and in one treated with placebo (4%) (P=0.005). Symptomatology improved by at least
50% (good response) in 17 patients treated with AV (63%) and in two treated with placebo (7%)
(P<0.001). No serious side-effects were found in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: AV gel is statistically
significantly more effective than placebo in inducing clinical and symptomatological
improvement of OLP. Therefore, AV gel can be considered a safe alternative treatment for
patients with OLP."

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active
ulcerative colitis.
1: Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Apr 1;19(7):739-47..PMID: 15043514

Aloe gel improves patients with ulcerative colitis.

Full Citation: "BACKGROUND: The herbal preparation, aloe vera, has been claimed to have
anti-inflammatory effects and, despite a lack of evidence of its therapeutic efficacy, is widely used by patients
with inflammatory bowel disease. AIM: To perform a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the
efficacy and safety of aloe vera gel for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.
METHODS: Forty-four evaluable hospital out-patients were randomly given oral aloe vera gel or placebo, 100
mL twice daily for 4 weeks, in a 2 : 1 ratio. The primary outcome measures were clinical remission (Simple
Clinical Colitis Activity Index </= 2), sigmoidoscopic remission (Baron score </= 1) and histological remission
(Saverymuttu score </= 1). Secondary outcome measures included changes in the Simple Clinical Colitis
Activity Index (improvement was defined as a decrease of >/= 3 points; response was defined as remission or
improvement), Baron score, histology score, haemoglobin, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate,
C-reactive protein and albumin. RESULTS: Clinical remission, improvement and response occurred in nine
(30%), 11 (37%) and 14 (47%), respectively, of 30 patients given aloe vera, compared with one (7%) [P =
0.09; odds ratio, 5.6 (0.6-49)], one (7%) [P = 0.06; odds ratio, 7.5 (0.9-66)] and two (14%) [P < 0.05; odds
ratio, 5.3 (1.0-27)], respectively, of 14 patients taking placebo. The Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index and
histological scores decreased significantly during treatment with aloe vera (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03,
respectively), but not with placebo. Sigmoidoscopic scores and laboratory variables showed no significant
differences between aloe vera and placebo. Adverse events were minor and similar in both groups of patients.
CONCLUSION: Oral aloe vera taken for 4 weeks produced a clinical response more often than placebo;
it also reduced the histological disease activity and appeared to be safe. Further evaluation of the
therapeutic potential of aloe vera gel in inflammatory bowel disease is needed."