Formulation and Evaluation of Butenafine Hydrochloride-Incorporated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Novel Excipients for the Treatment of Superficial Fungal Infections.

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to develop natural excipient-based solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of butenafine hydrochloride (BUTE) using a modified solvent emulsification technique and to evaluate the competence of aloe vera nanolipidgel in enhancing the penetration of BUTE. Materials and Methods: BUTE-SLNs were prepared using a 23 factorial design to correlate the effect of formulation components on the BUTE-SLN. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment performance, and drug loading were assessed in the formed SLNs. The fabricated BUTE-SLN was evaluated for transmission electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction study studies and revealed the encapsulation of BUTE in lipid in the amorphous state. BUTE-SLN-based aloe vera gel was formulated and evaluated compared with the marketed product with respect to primary skin irritation, hydration, skin permeation, and antifungal activity. Results: The BUTE-SLN aloe vera gel, optimized for its formulation, features excellent slip properties and controlled drug release. DSC and XRD studies confirm its amorphous nature with effective drug entrapment. The gel provides enhanced skin deposition, improved antifungal activity, and reduced irritation. This makes it a cost-effective and innovative alternative to traditional dosage forms. BUTE-SLN promisingly showed no irritation, higher hydrating potential, slow and sustained release, and enhanced antifungal activity. With an aim to target deeper skin strata, minimize the side effects of drugs and symptomatic impact of fungal infection, and shorten the duration of therapy, BUTE-SLN was successfully prepared. The mean particle size and PDI were 261.25 ± 2.38 nm and 0.268 ± 0.01, respectively. Conclusion: BUTE-SLN gel offers improved topical delivery of BUTE with significantly higher compatibility and antifungal activity than the marketed formulation.

Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine and Aloe Vera Mouthwash in Patients With Periodontal Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera has gained significant attention in clinical research, and promoting natural substances is a prevailing trend in dentistry. AIM: This study compares the effectiveness of aloe vera mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in reducing plaque accumulation and gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-masked trial included 270 volunteers who were systemically healthy and aged between 18 and 45 years. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A (the test group) received aloe vera mouth rinse, Group B (the positive control group) received a placebo (distilled water), and Group C (the negative control group) received 0.2% chlorhexidine. Clinical indicators, which include the plaque index (PI) by Sillness and Loe in 1964 and the gingival index (GI) by Loe and Sillness in 1963, were evaluated at baseline, day 15, and day 30 for all three groups. Participants were directed to rinse their mouths with the specified mouthwash twice daily for 30 days. RESULTS: Significant reductions in the GI and PI were observed in both aloe vera and chlorhexidine mouthwashes, with a statistical significance of p<0.001. The placebo mouthwash also showed reductions in both the GI and PI, with a significance level of p<0.001. Post hoc analysis revealed no significant differences between the aloe vera and chlorhexidine groups for the GI and PI, with p-values of 0.6 and 0.8, respectively. CONCLUSION: Aloe vera has proven equally effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and gingivitis. This makes it a viable alternative for treating and preventing gingivitis, appealing to those preferring natural, holistic oral care. Incorporating aloe vera mouthwash into daily routines offers an effective, natural solution for maintaining gum health.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triple Antibiotic Paste Herbal Combination and Camphorated Monochlorophenol as Intracanal Medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis in Deciduous Molars: An In Vivo Study.

Aim: Compare the efficacy of triple antibiotic paste (TAP), herbal extracts, and camphorated monochlorophenol (CMCP) as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in deciduous molars. Materials and methods: A total of 60 samples were collected from canals of first and second molars of 4-10-year-old children, with more than two-thirds root length, and fitting the inclusion criteria. Samples were collected at three intervals-S1 was collected just after access opening, S2 was collected after biomechanical preparation (BMP) and irrigation, and just before placement of medicament. Randomization was done to place the medicaments into three groups: group I-CMCP, group II-TAP, and group III-herbal combination. Sample S3 was taken 48 hours after removal of medicament from the canals. The collected samples were transported via Amies media to the laboratory, where they were anaerobically incubated for 24 hours. Growth of E. Faecalis was observed, and manual counting of the colony-forming unit (CFU) was done. The change in CFU in all samples was calculated, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: The results show that there is a change from S1 (TAP = 118.67 ± 122.48, herbal = 109.07 ± 106.43; CMCP = 110.73 ± 120.53) to S2 (TAP = 34.13 ± 63.47; herbal = 27.67 ± 39.39; CMCP = 16.40 ± 26.32) and S3 (TAP = 12.33 ± 24.82; herbal = 4.73 ± 12.78; CMCP = 3.40 ± 7.12). It is seen that there is a significant difference seen from S1 to S2 in all three groups (p ≤ 0.05) using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. This shows that all three medicaments were effective in reducing bacterial counts of E. Faecalis from sample S1 (pre) to S3 (post) significantly after exposure to root canal bacterial flora for 48 hours (2 days). The pairwise comparison of the change in CFU within each group, S1-S3, also shows significant changes. There is a significant decrease in CFU seen from S1 to S2 and S1 to S3 but not from S2 to S3 for all three groups, which was evaluated using the post hoc Bonferroni test. It was also observed that in between the canals, although there was a change from S1 to S3 in terms of the CFU, there was no significant difference in the decrease in the bacterial count when intercanal comparison was made. There was, however, a change that was seen to be significant when values from each canal were compared from S1 to S3. Conclusion: All three medicaments have successfully shown a decrease in the numbers of E. faecalis, which the study aimed at checking. Although the effect varied intergroups, it was mild, so herbal alternatives could be used instead of antibiotics and CMCP. Also, because the local application is effective in controlling interappointment flare-ups, the medicaments can be successfully given without having to prescribe systemic antibiotics. How to cite this article: Tawde MM, Lakade L, Patil S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triple Antibiotic Paste Herbal Combination and Camphorated Monochlorophenol as Intracanal Medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis in Deciduous Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):243-254.

Characterization of aloe vera gel incorporated unsaturated polyester resin jute-cotton fabric composites for enhanced biodegradability, flexibility, and insulation properties.

In this research, Aloe Vera Gel (AVG) was incorporated into Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) with jute-cotton union fabric to fabricate partially biodegradable composites. These composites were fabricated using a hand lay-up technique and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA), thermal conductivity measurements, water absorption tests, degradation assessments, cracking tests, and Universal Testing Machine (UTM) analysis. The study found that increasing the percentage of AVG in the composites led to a decrease in thermal conductivity, indicating improved insulation properties. Samples reinforced with AVG showed enhanced resistance to damage from iron nails, with reduced scratching and fiber displacement observed. However, the addition of AVG resulted in decreased thermal, mechanical, and water resistance properties compared to composites without AVG. FTIR analysis demonstrated interactions between AVG and the matrix materials. In degradation tests, composites subjected to an alkali environment (PH = 11.96) showed the highest weight reduction (2.22 %) compared to those without AVG. Similarly, composites buried in soil exhibited greater weight loss (2.38 %) than their counterparts lacking AVG. Overall, the developed composite's reduced heat transfer rate suggests its potential application as an insulating material in environments such as rural poultry housing and the automotive industry.

Electrospun Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle/Aloe Vera Extract-Loaded Nanofibrous Poly(Ethylene Oxide)/Polyurethane Mats As Diabetic Wound Dressings.

Currently the prevalence of diabetic wounds brings a huge encumbrance onto patients, causing high disability and mortality rates and a major medical challenge for society. Therefore, in this study, we are targeting to fabricate aloe vera extract infused biocompatible nanofibrous patches to facilitate the process of diabetic wound healing. Additionally, clindamycin has been adsorbed onto the surface of in-house synthesized ceria nanoparticles and again used separately to design a nanofibrous web, as nanoceria can act as a good drug delivery vehicle and exhibit both antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties. Various physicochemical characteristics such as morphology, porosity, and chemical composition of the produced nanofibrous webs were investigated. Bacterial growth inhibition and antibiofilm studies of the nanofibrous materials confirm its antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. An in vitro drug release study confirmed that the nanofibrous mat show a sustained drug release pattern (90% of drug in 96 h). The nanofibrous web containing drug loaded nanoceria not only showed superior in vitro performance but also promoted greater wound contraction (95 ± 2%) in diabetes-induced mice in just 7 days. Consequently, it efficaciously lowers the serum glucose level, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and hepatotoxicity markers as endorsed by various ex vivo tests. Conclusively, this in-house-fabricated biocompatible nanofibrous patch can act as a potential medicated suppository that can be used for treating diabetic wounds in the proximate future.

Effectiveness of photosensitized curcumin fibers, aloevera, amla juice and panchatulsi in disinfecting guttapercha cones.

Herbal remedies have demonstrated remarkable effects as anti-diabetic, anticancer, antimicrobials, immunological modulatory agent in liver problems, respiratory illnesses, and as beauty agents. The need for more affordable, readily accessible, and alternative medicines has led to a rise in the recognition of herbal drugs. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of photosensitized curcumin fibers, Aloevera, Amla Juice and Pancha Tulsi in disinfecting guttapercha (GP) cones. It was observed that all experimental disinfectants were found to have greater antimicrobial action than the positive control in which no disinfectant was used. The order of antimicrobial action among different experimental disinfectants against Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis in disinfection of GP cones was in following order PanchaTulsi>Curcumin fibers >Amla juice > Aloe vera. It was concluded that all herbal disinfectants were found to have antimicrobial effectiveness in disinfection of GP cones with Panchtulsi having maximum disinfectant ability followed by photosensitized curcumin fibres.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Eugenol, Zinc Oxide Powder with Aloe Vera Gel, and Endoflas Powder with Aloe Vera Gel as an Obturating Material in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study.

Aim: The present study was conducted to compare three obturating materials-zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE), zinc oxide (ZO) powder with aloe vera gel, and Endoflas powder with aloe vera gel in primary molars. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 45 primary molars with chronic infection. A total of 45 primary molars were divided into three groups of 15 each. Group I was obturated with ZOE paste, group II was obturated with ZO powder and aloe vera gel, and group III was obturated with Endoflas powder with aloe vera gel. Clinical and radiographic success and failure at 3, 6, and 9 months were evaluated. Results: A total of 15 molars in group I, 15 molars in group II, and 14 molars in group III showed clinical and radiographic success at the 9th-month follow-up. However, there was only one failure in group III during the 9th-month follow-up. Conclusion: It was concluded that all three groups showed promising results; ZOE is still considered standard material, whereas ZO powder with aloe vera gel can be used as an alternative to ZOE. Endoflas with aloe vera gel can also be used as an obturating material. How to cite this article: Mohile S, Sharma N, Asopa K, et al. Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Eugenol, Zinc Oxide Powder with Aloe Vera Gel, and Endoflas Powder with Aloe Vera Gel as an Obturating Material in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):168-172.

Protective Effect of Bio-Scaffold Against Vitrification Damage in Mouse Ovarian Tissue.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is regarded as useful method for fertility preservation. This study aimed to preserve most of the follicular reserve from the destructive effects of cryoprotectant solutions and liquid nitrogen. For this purpose, 48 female NMRI mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into six groups: Fresh (not vitrified), Vitrification (not encapsulated), Alginate 1 (encapsulated in 1% alginate hydrogel before placing in vitrification solutions), Alginate 2 (encapsulated in 1% alginate hydrogel before placing in liquid nitrogen), Aloe vera 1 (encapsulated in Aloe vera pieces before placing in vitrification solutions), Aloe vera 2 (encapsulated in Aloe vera pieces before placing in liquid nitrogen). After vitrification and warming, the histological evaluation showed that the average number of intact primordial follicles decreased significantly in all groups compared to the Fresh group. (P < 0.05). Results of evaluating the expression of apoptosis-related genes showed that the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 and P53 significantly decreased in the Alginate 2 group compared with the vitrification group. The level of Kit gene (KIT proto-oncogeni receptor tyrosine kinase gene) expression was either the same or lower in the experimental groups than in the vitrification group, but there was no statistically significant difference. Levels of tissue nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Alginate groups 1 and 2 showed a significant decrease compared with the vitrification group (P < 0.05). To conclude, Encapsulation of ovaries in 1% alginate hydrogel before immersion in liquid nitrogen may reduce the damage caused by cryopreservation.

Biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles as an Effective Tool to Combat Soil Metal Stresses in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Nanotechnology has demonstrated significant potential to improve agricultural production and increase crop tolerance to abiotic stress including exposure to heavy metals. The present study investigated the mechanisms by which aloe vera extract gel-biosynthesized (AVGE) selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) alleviated cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity to rice (Oryza sativa L.). AVGE Se NPs, chemically synthesized bare Se NPs, and NaSeO3 as an ionic control were applied to Cd-stressed rice seedlings via root exposure in both hydroponic and soil systems. Upon exposure to AVGE Se NPs at 15 mg Se/L, the fresh root biomass was significantly increased by 100.7% and 19.5% as compared to Cd control and conventional bare Se NPs. Transcriptional analyses highlighted that AVGE Se NPs activated stress signaling and defense related pathways, including glutathione metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction. Specifically, exposure to AVGE Se NPs upregulated the expression of genes associated with the gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis by and 4.79- and 3.29-fold as compared to the Cd-alone treatment and the untreated control, respectively. Importantly, AVGE Se NPs restored the composition of the endophyte community and recruit of beneficial species under Cd exposure; the relative abundance of Azospirillum was significantly increased in roots, shoots, and the rhizosphere soil by 0.73-, 4.58- and 0.37-fold, respectively, relative to the Cd-alone treatment. Collectively, these findings highlight the significant potential of AVGE Se NPs to enhance plant growth and to minimize the Cd-induced toxicity in rice and provide a promising nanoenabled strategy to enhance food safety upon crop cultivation in contaminated agricultural soils.

Aloe vera supplementation improves cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: This study assessed the effects of Aloe vera supplementation on serum inflammatory factors, blood sugar and lipid profiles in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: Totally, 50 hemodialysis patients were allocated randomly to either Aloe vera or placebo groups. The Aloe vera group received 2 Aloe vera capsules daily for 8 weeks (500 mg/day). Serum C-reactive protein (hs- CRP), Fasting blood glucose (FBS), and lipid profiles levels were evaluated at the baseline and the end of the eighth week. Results: Aloe vera supplementation for 8 weeks was associated with a significant reduction of serum hs- CRP (p=0.004), total cholesterol (p=0.01), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p=0.02) leves and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) (p=0.002) concentration in the hemodialysis patients. Conclusion: Aloe vera supplementation is beneficial in improvement of cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients.

GC/MS evaluation of the composition of the Aloe vera gel and extract.

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of Aloe vera (AV) as a food additive given its critical importance in food safety and health. Specifically, the natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of AV were examined to prevent food spoilage and extend its shelf life. This study was conducted using commercially available aloe vera gel (AVG) and aloe vera extract (AVE). These samples were tested using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis involves identifying and quantifying the components using natural helium gas. The antimicrobial and antifungal effects of these components were evaluated and compared with those reported in the literature. GC-MS analysis revealed that the Aloe vera gel and extract contained various volatile components, including phenolic compounds, anthraquinone glycosides, and different esters. According to GC-MS results of the two different forms of AV, the main volatile compounds of the gel form were levoglucosan, tridecanoic acid, decanoic acid methyl ester, octadecanoic acid methyl ester, octadecanoic acid, nonadeca-1.18-diyn-4.16-diol and squalene, whereas the extract form contained volatile compounds with antifungal activity such as tridecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid methyl ester, octadecanoic acid, nonanoic acid and eicosyl acetate. Both samples exhibited antimicrobial and antifungal activities, especially against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Escherichia coli. This study demonstrated the potential of Aloe vera gel and extract as a natural preservative for use in food because of its constituent components. This study highlights the potential use of Aloe vera as a natural additive in the food industry. Due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, Aloe vera offers an organic alternative to chemical additives. Aloe vera is effective at preventing food spoilage and extending shelf life, making it a suitable option for meeting consumer demand for organic and natural products.

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.

Aloe vera mucilage loaded gelatin electrospun fibers contained in polylactic acid coaxial system and polylactic acid and poly(e-caprolactone) tri-layer membranes for tissue engineering.

BACKGROUND: Polymeric electrospun mats have been used as scaffolds in tissue engineering for the development of novel materials due to its characteristics. The usage of synthetic materials has gone in decline due to environmental problems associated with their synthesis and waste disposal. Biomaterials such as biopolymers have been used recently due to good compatibility on biological applications and sustainability. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work is to obtain novel materials based on synthetic and natural polymers for applications on tissue engineering. METHODS: Aloe vera mucilage was obtained, chemically characterized, and used as an active compound contained in electrospun mats. Polymeric scaffolds were obtained in single, coaxial and tri-layer structures, characterized and evaluated in cell culture. RESULTS: Mucilage loaded electrospun fibers showed good compatibility due to formation of hydrogen bonds between polymers and biomolecules from its structure, evidenced by FTIR spectra and thermal properties. Cell viability test showed that most of the obtained mats result on viability higher than 75%, resulting in nontoxic materials, ready to be used on scaffolding applications. CONCLUSION: Mucilage containing fibers resulted on materials with potential use on scaffolding applications due to their mechanical performance and cell viability results.

Study of the Incorporation of Gel and Aloe vera Peel Extract in a Polymer Matrix Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone.

The development of dressings based on electrospun membranes with polymers and plant extracts is an interesting approach to skin regeneration, providing elements to prevent contamination and a matrix that accelerates the healing process. We developed a membrane composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), gel and Aloe vera peel extract via the electrospinning technique. Additionally, an optimal ratio of PVP/Av gel/Av skin extract was determined to facilitate membrane formation. Electrospun membranes were obtained with fiber diameters of 1403 ± 57.4 nm for the PVP and 189.2 ± 11.4 nm for PVP/Av gel/Av peel extract, confirming that the use of extracts generally reduced the fiber diameter. The incorporation of gel and peel extract of Aloe vera into the electrospun membrane was analyzed via FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopies. FTIR revealed the presence of functional groups associated with phenolic compounds such as aloin, aloe-emodin, emodin and aloesin, which was confirmed by UV-Vis, revealing absorption bands corresponding to aloin, phenols and carbonyl groups. This finding provides evidence of the effective integration and prevalence of bioactive compounds of a phenolic and polysaccharide nature from the gel and the Av skin extract in the electrospun fibers, resulting in an advanced membrane that could improve and accelerate the healing process and protect the wound from bacterial infections.

In vivo and in vitro efficacy of the ithmid kohl/zinc-oxide nanoparticles, ithmid kohl/Aloe vera, and zinc-oxide nanoparticles/Aloe vera for the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the ithmid kohl/zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), ithmid kohl/Aloe vera, and ZnONPs/Aloe vera in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis. The endophthalmitis model was prepared by contaminating both eyes of 24 healthy adult male albino rabbits with a clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The animals were randomly divided into eight groups (A-H) according to the treatment. Group A received 1 ml of ithmid kohl/ZnONPs ointment, group B received 1 ml of ithmid kohl/Aloe vera gel ointment, group C received 1 ml of ZnONPs/Aloe vera gel ointment, and groups D, E, and F were treated with 1 ml of ithmid kohl solution (0.5 g/ml in distilled water), 1 ml of ZnONPs (0.5 g/ml) colloidal dispersion, and 1 ml of Aloe vera gel, respectively. Group G received 100 µl of a tetracycline antibiotic solution (final concentration: 16 µg/ml), and group H received sterile distilled water (no treatment). In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against K. pneumoniae using the agar well diffusion. The combination of ithmid kohl/ZnONPs was the most effective formulation for treating endophthalmitis model in infected rabbits within 2 days. In vitro antibacterial assay confirmed the potential of the ithmid kohl/ZnONPs formulation, which had the largest zone of inhibition (31 mm) among the compounds tested. The preparation of the ithmid kohl/ZnONPs formulation and its in vivo experiment in albino rabbits for the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis was an innovative approach that has shown promise and may potentially serve as a viable alternative in clinical practice.

Therapeutic effect of NEO400, perillyl alcohol conjugated to linoleic acid, in a mouse model of UV-induced skin damage.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes harmful effects on human skin. Pre-exposure application of sunscreen can be protective, but not after damage already has occurred. There is a need for agents that can be applied post-UVR exposure to repair the damage. We investigated a novel compound, NEO400, that appears to meet this medicinal need. NEO400 was created by conjugating linoleic acid to perillyl alcohol. UVR was repeatedly administered to the skin of mice over several weeks, where it caused the typical signs of UV damage, including scaling of the skin, DNA damage, and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. However, when NEO400 was applied immediately post-UVR, it triggered the appearance of markers for dermal stem cell proliferation, and no signs of skin damage emerged. Furthermore, when NEO400 was applied to skin that already had incurred significant damage, it accelerated skin healing. When applied individually, linoleic acid and perillyl alcohol were ineffective, indicating that they had to be conjugated in order to exert therapeutic efficacy. None of these skin-protective effects could be achieved with Aloe vera gel, a popular and widely used post-exposure remedy. Our study suggests that NEO400 holds potential as a regenerative treatment for excessively UVR-exposed skin.

Chitosan membranes incorporating Aloe vera glycolic extract with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for the treatment of skin lesions.

New wound dressings based on polymeric membranes have been widely exploited for clinical applications to assist in the healing process and prevent additional complications (e.g., bacterial infections). Here we propose the development of a new production method of polymeric membranes based on chitosan, incorporating glycolic extract of Aloe vera with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for use as a new bioactive dressing. The membranes were obtained by casting technique, and their morphological, physicochemical characteristics, degree of swelling, degradation profile and antimicrobial activity evaluated. Morphological analyzes confirmed the synthesis and presence of silver nanoparticles in the polymeric membrane. The chemical compatibility between the materials was demonstrated through thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) combined with ATR-FTIR tests, showing the complexation of the membranes (Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs). All membranes were characterized as hydrophilic material (with a contact angle (Ó©) < 90°); however, the highest degree of swelling was obtained for the chitosan. (Mb-Ch) membrane (69.91 ± 5.75%) and the lowest for Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs (26.62 ± 8.93%). On the other hand, the degradation profile was higher for Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs (77.85 ± 7.51%) and lower for Mb-Ch (57.60 ± 2.29%). The manufactured bioactive dressings showed activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Our work confirmed the development of translucent and flexible chitosan-based membranes, incorporating Aloe vera glycolic extract with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for use as a new bioactive dressing, with proven antimicrobial activity.

Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/cellulose nanofiber/Aloe Vera composites as a biocompatible hydrating facial mask.

This study aimed to enhance the properties of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for use as biocompatible facial masks. To achieve this, nanofibers were developed by blending PVP with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and Aloe vera (AV) powder using electrospinning. The results showed that incorporating CNFs and AV into the PVP matrix led to the formation of smooth and uniform nanofibers. In particular, adding 3-6 wt% AV powder in PVP/CNF composites improved fiber diameter distribution and uniformity compared to pure PVP. The PVP/CNF/AV nanofibers exhibited desirable properties for facial mask applications. They displayed 86-93 % porosity, which allowed for efficient moisture absorption capacity of up to 1829 %, and excellent water vapor permeability rate of 3.92 g/m2h. The mechanical properties of the electrospun nanofiber composites were evaluated through tensile testing. The results showed that Young's modulus values decreased progressively with the addition of CNFs and AV powder to the PVP polymer matrix, indicating a plasticizing effect that enhances flexibility. The fracture strain remained similar across all composites, suggesting that CNFs and AV did not significantly weaken the PVP matrix. The tensile strength initially increased with CNF addition but decreased with incremental AV loading. Biocompatibility studies revealed that all nanofibers exhibited excellent fibroblast viability, surpassing 98 %. This indicates that incorporating CNFs and AV did not compromise cell viability, further highlighting the suitability of the PVP/CNF/AV composites for facial mask applications.

Therapeutic potential of Aloe vera-coated curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles in an Alzheimer-induced mice model: behavioural, biochemical and histopathological evidence.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera-coated curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles in mitigating Alzheimer's disease progression in mice, by examining behavioural changes, biochemical markers, and histopathological alterations, thus elucidating its potential as a treatment strategy. METHODS: The green synthesis method was used to synthesise this nanoformulation, which was then characterised using a variety of techniques, including percentage encapsulation efficacy, UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, FT-IR, FESEM, and EDX. Several in-vivo assessments, including behavioural evaluations, dose optimisation studies, oxidative stress marker estimation, and histological studies, were conducted to determine the potential therapeutic impact of nanoformulation on the Alzheimer-induced mice model. RESULTS: The synthesised nanoparticles show a mean diameter of 76.12 nm ±1.23, a PDI of 0.313 ± 0.02, a zeta potential of 6.27 ± 0.65 mV, and the percentage encapsulation efficiency between 90% and 95% indicating good stability of synthesised nanoformulation. With the help of Morris water maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition assay, the learning capacity and memory were assessed, and the results show that the synthesised nanoformulation significantly decreased the transfer latency to reach baited arm or to the hidden platform within 7 days. CONCLUSION: The formulation demonstrated significant biochemical benefits and remarkable cognitive advantages, establishing it as a prospective therapeutic intervention option that is both safe and effective.

Effect of Herbal Intracanal Medicaments on Microhardness of Root Dentin: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of intracanal medicaments (ICM) is crucial to reduce the microbial load in root canals. However, its application may negatively affect the physical properties of root dentine. Thus, this in vitro study was performed to investigate the effects of different herbal ICM on the microhardness of root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 mid-root discs were randomly divided into five groups (n = 20) and treated with Aloe vera, Aloe vera + chitosan, curcumin, curcumin + chitosan, and control for 14 days. A Vickers hardness indentation machine (Laizhou Laihua Testing Instrument Factory, Yantai, China) with a load of 200 g and a dwell time of 15 seconds was used for microhardness testing before and after treatment. The results were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 26.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Intragroup comparisons were executed using paired t-tests, while intergroup comparisons employed ANOVA, followed by post-hoc Tukey's tests. RESULTS: The Aloe vera + chitosan and curcumin + chitosan groups showed a statistically significant reduction in dentin microhardness (p < 0.05). The decrease in dentin microhardness of the Aloe vera and curcumin groups was non-significant (p > 0.05) and similar to that of the control. CONCLUSION: Aloe vera or curcumin alone as ICM did not affect the root dentin microhardness. The addition of 0.2% chitosan to either Aloe vera or curcumin negatively affected the root dentin microhardness.