Comparison of aloe vera gel dressing with conventional dressing on pressure ulcer pain reduction: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Aloe Vera has a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, and its use effectively controls pain. This study aimed to determine the effect of Aloe Vera gel versus saline on pain relief of pressure ulcers. METHODS: This study is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted in Valiasr Hospital in Arak, Markazi Province, in the center of Iran from May 2020 to April 2022. Using the available sampling method, 95 patients with pressure ulcers were assessed for eligibility, 64 patients were selected, 33 patients were placed in the experimental and 34 patients in control. For the experimental group, the ulcers were first cleaned with normal saline to remove the slough and then the already prepared Aloe Vera gel was evenly applied. For control groups, the ulcers were first washed with normal saline to remove off the slough and then covered with a sterile cotton gage, and the wound was tightly bandaged with a cotton roll to keep the "daily dressing" in place. A visual pain scale was used to assess the patient's pain level. Data analysis was done using SPSS 17. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and greenhouse tests were used. The significance level was 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that the average pain score in both groups had a downward trend; that is, both dressings effectively reduced pressure ulcer pain (P < 0.001). The greenhouse test results showed that the difference between the two groups was significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed the effect of Aloe Vera gel in reducing pressure ulcer pain. Dressing with Aloe Vera gel is preferable to reducing pain during dressing changes in patients with pressure ulcers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20180715040478N2, 2021-08-17.

Polymeric Membranes of Chitosan/Aloe Vera Gel Fabrication With Enhanced Swelling and Antimicrobial Properties for Biomedical Applications.

Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used as traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Aloe vera (AV) gel's therapeutic potential is one of the most effective approach in the fabrication of functional materials. The current study aimed to prepare the AV and chitosan (CS) membranes using various cross-linkers that were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Visible) techniques, as well as swelling ratio and antimicrobial studies. SEM analysis revealed that the membrane is porous, with interconnected pores. The inclusion of AV contents in the membrane improved thermal stability and crystallinity. The swelling ratio of the ACPG-3 membrane with a 2:1 CS to AV ratio was 366%. The membranes showed promising antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pasteurella multocida strains. The findings revealed that polymeric CS/AV membranes have effective potential for use in the biomedical field.

Influence of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) as an alternative to antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and haemato-biochemical indices of broiler chickens.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal herbs as classes of additives to poultry feeds have proven to be beneficial due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. OBJECTIVE: A 6-week study was conducted to assess the effects of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) as an alternative to antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass traits and haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. METHODS: A total of 240 unsexed commercial broiler chickens, 2 weeks old, were randomly allocated to four treatments: T1 (negative control), T2 (positive control, 1 g/L oxytetracycline), T3 (0.5% Aloe vera gel extract) and T4 (1% Aloe vera gel extract) in a completely randomised design (CRD), with six replicates of 10 birds per replicate. The Aloe vera gel extract was administered in fresh drinking water. RESULTS: The results revealed across all the treatment groups, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found in terms of growth performance and carcass traits. However, the mortality rate was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the positive control and the Aloe vera groups compared to the negative control. Total cholesterol, total glucose, and high-density lipoprotein values for the experimental groups (T3 and T4) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the control groups. The values for red blood cell count, haemoglobin content, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration for the birds treated with Aloe vera gel were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is therefore concluded that the addition of Aloe vera gel extracts up to 1% in the drinking water could replace antibiotics in broiler chickens without any adverse effects on the health status and the performance of birds.

The effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel on the quality of life in patients with systolic heart failure: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

This trial was designed to evaluate the effect of a standardized capsule of Aloe vera gel (AVG) on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with systolic heart failure (HF). Forty-two patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive either AVG 150 mg or harmonized placebo capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. The patients were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, six-minute walk test (6MWT), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and STOP-BANG questionnaires. Post-intervention, AVG group indicated a significant reduction in the total score of MLHFQ (p < 0.001). The changes in MLHFQ and NYHA class were statistically significant after taking medication (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The change of 6MWT in the AVG group was more advanced; however, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.353). Moreover, in the AVG group, the severity of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea decreased (p < 0.001, p = 0.01 respectively) and the sleep quality improved as well (p < 0.001). There were significantly fewer adverse events reported in the AVG group (p = 0.047). Therefore, AVG combined with standard medical therapy could provide more clinical benefits for patients with systolic HF.

Development and characterization of amphotericin B nanoemulsion-loaded mucoadhesive gel for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Despite being recognized as the "gold standard" for treating azole-resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis, amphotericin B (AmB), an amphoteric molecule, has not been widely used due to serious issues with solubility and permeability. In light of the aforementioned, the objective of the present study was to increase AmB's therapeutic efficacy by formulating it into an o/w nanoemulsion (AmB-NE) system. Furthermore, to facilitate AmB-NE's retention within the vaginal cavity, it was loaded into a mixture of Carbopol® 974P and Aloe vera-based gel (CA gel). Briefly, in the present study, a kinetically stable batch of formulated AmB-NE having a globule size of 76.52 ± 3.11 nm, PDI of 0.342 ± 0.032, and zeta potential of -22.32 ± 0.88 mV was incorporated into the CA gel base. This AmB-NE loaded gel (AmB-NE gel) exhibited a non-Fickian/anomalous diffusion from the hydrophilic matrix. The texture analysis of AmB-NE gel revealed that the prepared gel was a non-drip, soft, easy to spread, and sufficiently cohesive gel that could reside in the vaginal cavity, which was confirmed by our ex-vivo retention test, which revealed that AmB-NE loaded gel could stay in the vaginal cavity for approximately 11 h. Ex-vivo skin permeation studies revealed that AmB-NE is 4.26 times more permeable than AmB-coarse gel, implying that AmB-NE facilitates AmB entry into the vaginal epithelial layers. Furthermore, in-vivo vaginal lavage studies revealed that AmB-NE gel permeated 7.03-fold more than AmB-coarse gel. Prepared AmB-NE gel was stable in refrigerated condition and showed no histopathological toxicity. Thus, the present study suggests that AmB-NE gel could eliminate the existing problem of AmB and that it could serve as an alternative option to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Partially purified non-polar phytocomponents from Aloe barbadensis Mill. gel restores metabolic and reproductive comorbidities in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rodent model- an "in-vivo" study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In India, Kumaryasava, a popular Aloe barbadensis Mill. gel preparation has therapeutic value in treatment of female reproductive disorders like menstrual disturbances and menopausal problems. Despite their widespread use, only a limited number of studies have probed into the scientific evidence for their varied bioactivities. In this regard, studies have demonstrated that Aloe vera gel has the potential to modulate steroidogenic activity in letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat. However, isolation and identification of the bioactive molecule/s from Aloe vera gel and studying their molecular targets will underpin the treatment regime for PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Partially Purified Non-Polar Phytocomponents (PPNPP)- LP1 and LP3 were isolated from the petroleum ether extract of Aloe vera gel by column chromatography. Based upon the GC-MS analysis, LP1 and LP3 comprised of n-Hexadecanoic acid and Campesterol acetate with an abundance of 97.07%, and 96.07% respectively. For evaluation of their bioactivities, eighty 3-4 months female Balb/c mice were classified as 10 groups with 8 animals in each group. Groups were control (C), PCOS (0.5 mg/kg/day Letrozole orally for 21days), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with Aloe vera gel (AVG) (10 mg/kg/day) (PCOS + AVG), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with petroleum ether extract (PE) of Aloe vera gel (25 µg/kg/day) (PCOS + PE), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with LP1 (0.5 µg/kg/day) (PCOS + LP1), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with commercially available pure compound-n-Hexadecanoic acid (HA) (0.5 µg/kg/day) (PCOS + HA), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with LP3 (0.01 µg/kg/day) (PCOS + LP3), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with commercially available pure compound- Campesterol acetate (CA) (0.01 µg/kg/day) (PCOS + CA), PCOS treated orally for 60 days with Metformin (100 mg/kg/day) (PCOS + Metformin) and PCOS treated orally for 60 days with DMSO (Vehicle) (PCOS + DMSO). Body weight, Oral glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, estrus cycle, hormonal profile, gene expression of gonadotropin receptors (Fshr and Lhr), steroid receptors (Ar, Esr1, Esr2 and Pgr) and steroidogenic markers (Star, Hsd3b1, Cyp19a1 and Amh) were analysed in the ovaries. Polycystic ovarian morphology was assessed through histopathological changes of ovary. Toxicity markers- SGOT, SGPT and creatinine were also measured at the end of the study. RESULTS: Mice treated with letrozole demonstrated significant increase in body weight, glucose intolerance, fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, triglycerides levels as well as testosterone levels, and a significant decline in the progesterone levels as compared to the control animals. PCOS animals also exhibited arrested estrus cyclicity, disrupted ovarian histopathology with the presence of multiple peripheral cysts and abnormal gene expression of gonadotropin receptor, steroid receptor and steroid markers. Oral administration of AVG, PE extract of AVG, LP3 and metformin greatly alleviated these complications in PCOS animals. CONCLUSION: The above findings indicate the effectiveness of LP3, isolated from Aloe vera gel against letrozole induced PCOS in mice and may be used in the treatment of PCOS as an alternative to metformin.

Potential protective effects of Aloe vera gel on cardiovascular diseases: A mini-review.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) comprise the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality in both men and women worldwide. CVDs are associated with several risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, tobacco smoking and an unhealthy diet. Currently, in addition to the use of related pharmacological treatments in the management of CVDs, the investigation of other suitable healthcare approaches for these disorders such as the identification of herbal medicines has been considered in the scientific communities. Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is a perennial medicinal plant. The innermost leaf layer of this plant contains transparent gel, which is used as food. Pre-clinical studies have shown several biological activities of A. vera gel (AVG), including antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Other pharmacological activities of AVG such as anti-fibrotic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-atherosclerotic effects have been reported. Moreover, several clinical studies have demonstrated the ameliorating effects of AVG on some markers of CVDs risk factors. Thus, this study was conducted to review clinical trials besides in vitro and in vivo studies on the cardiac beneficial effects of AVG. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.

The Role of Processed Aloe vera Gel in Intestinal Tight Junction: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study.

Leaky gut is a condition of increased paracellular permeability of the intestine due to compromised tight junction barriers. In recent years, this affliction has drawn the attention of scientists from different fields, as a myriad of studies prosecuted it to be the silent culprit of various immune diseases. Due to various controversies surrounding its culpability in the clinic, approaches to leaky gut are restricted in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding irritating factors, and practicing alternative medicine, including the consumption of supplements. In the current study, we investigate the tight junction-modulating effects of processed Aloe vera gel (PAG), comprising 5-400-kD polysaccharides as the main components. Our results show that oral treatment of 143 mg/kg PAG daily for 10 days improves the age-related leaky gut condition in old mice, by reducing their individual urinal lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio. In concordance with in vivo experiments, PAG treatment at dose 400 µg/mL accelerated the polarization process of Caco-2 monolayers. The underlying mechanism was attributed to enhancement in the expression of intestinal tight junction-associated scaffold protein zonula occludens (ZO)-1 at the translation level. This was induced by activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, which inhibits the translation repressor 4E-BP1. In conclusion, we propose that consuming PAG as a complementary food has the potential to benefit high-risk patients.

Efficacy of a New Non-drug Acne Therapy: Aloe Vera Gel Combined With Ultrasound and Soft Mask for the Treatment of Mild to Severe Facial Acne.

Background: Acne is a chronic disorder that affects almost 80% of adolescents and young adults, causing psychological and emotional distress. However, the current treatments for acne are either ineffective or have many side effects. This study was designed to confirm and objectively quantify the effect of a new non-drug combined therapy on acne. Methods: This study innovatively utilized ultrasound, which enhanced the absorption of aloe vera gel, and soft mask to make a purely physical method without any drugs. In both the treatment group and control group, the number of papules/pustules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions were counted, and a smart mirror intelligent face system was used before and after the combined therapy. Alterations in the skin functional index were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: In the treatment group, the combined therapy significantly reduced the number of papules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions and improved skin roughness and local blood circulation. In the control group, there was no obvious improvement over 2 months. Conclusion: This study suggests that the new non-drug combined therapy significantly improved acne, which provided experimental evidence and treatment guidance for patients with mild to severe acne, especially patients with moderate acne. This new therapy may possibly be an appropriate method for patients who seek topical treatments with mild side effects and low antibiotic resistance rates.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of encapsulated Mesenchymal stem cells in Aloe vera gel and Chitosan-based gel in healing of grade-II burn injuries.

Treatment of burn injuries with Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a great promise due to their unique properties. As two natural and functional wound dressing, Chitosan and Aloe-Vera gel assist wound regeneration by providing a proper environment. In the current study, we aimed to compare the effect of encapsulated BMSCs in Chitosan-based gel and Aloe-Vera gel on the healing of grade-II burn injuries compared to other groups in the rat. After creation of a 2 × 2 cm grade-II burn on dorsal skin of rats, treatments were performed for each group. The wound closure rate and healing properties were evaluated by histopathological analysis on 7, 14, 21 and, 28 days post-treatment. The expression rate of VEGF, Collagen-I and Collagen-III genes was also assessed on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 performing qRT-PCR. The full wound healing with inconsiderable scar formation was achieved for Aloe-vera/BMSCs and Chitosan/BMSCs group on 28th day post-treatment. Pathological results also demonstrated the highest angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation for Aloe-vera/BMSCs and Chitosan/BMSCs groups respectively. The expression level of VEGF, Collagen-I, and Collagen-III genes was significantly higher in these groups on days 14 and 21, compared to other groups. Results demonstrated the synergistic effect of BMSCs when combined with Chitosan or Aloe-vera gel enhanced the healing process of wound healing more than chitosan gel treatment. Therefore, this gel can be considered as effective approaches for treatment of burn injuries.

Protective effects of aloe vera gel (aloe baberdensis Miller) on aluminum chloride-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at investigating the protective effects of aloe vera gel on aluminum chloride-induced testicular toxicity of adult Wistar rats. METHODS: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) with five animals per group. Group A serves as the control group and received distilled water (1ml/Kg). Group B received distilled water (1ml/Kg) with 100mg/kg b.wt of aluminum chloride daily. Group C received 100mg/kg b.wt of aluminum chloride with 600mg/kg b.wt of Aloe vera gel daily. Group D received 100mg/kg b.wt of aluminum chloride with 5mg/kg b.wt of vitamin C daily. The animals were fed on standard laboratory animal diet and water ad libitum. Administration was via oral cannula for four weeks. The rats were slaughtered using cervical dislocation. The testes were harvested for seminal, biochemical and histological analysis. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that the administration of aloe vera gel (AVG) is capable of preventing testicular toxicity due to aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride caused a significant change in the testes and seminal parameters of group B when compared to the control animals. The level of Nitric oxide (NO) increased and the level of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased significantly in rats treated with aluminum chloride. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of aloe vera gel showed a preventive response in aluminum-induced testicular toxicity of rats as evidenced by histological and biochemical analysis.

Pre-harvest application of chitosan and postharvest Aloe vera gel coating enhances quality of table grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. 'Yaghouti') during postharvest period.

The present study evaluated impact of pre-harvest foliar spraying with chitosan (2.0% and 3.0%) and post-harvest Aloe vera gel (AVG) coating (25% and 33%) to determine the quality of table grape during storage. The results showed that both treatments significantly influenced the storage lifetime of this fruit. In addition, the chitosan and AVG combinations minimized the incidence of decay and reduced the weight loss more than that of chitosan, AVG and control samples. 25 days once the foliar application of chitosan 3.0% with AVG 33% coating extending the storage life of fruit up to 15 days by significantly reducing decay index, malondialdehyde, weight loss and polyphenol oxidase also, maintaining the overall quality index, firmness, antioxidant capacity, peroxidase, total phenols, anthocyanin, SSC and vitamin C. Based on the findings, these natural compound treatments could be considered as suitable alternatives to extend the marketable period of table grapes and minimize post-harvest losses.

Aloe vera gel coating aggravates superficial scald incidence in 'Starking' apples during low-temperature storage.

The effects of aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.) gel treatment on the incidence of superficial scald in 'Starking' apples (Malus domestica Borkh. Var. Starking) during cold storage were studied. Apples were harvested at the pre-climacteric stage and treated with aloe vera gel. The treatment increased malondialdehyde content and membrane lipid damage. Furthermore, it inhibited the release of ethylene at the early stage but increased it in the later stage. The expression level of ACC synthase 1 (MdACS1) also increased, and the antioxidant capacity in apples, particularly, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities, all decreased, while concomitantly, the content of α-farnesene and its oxidation product, conjugated triene increased, thereby aggravating superficial scald incidence during storage at low temperature.

Ringworm in calves: risk factors, improved molecular diagnosis, and therapeutic efficacy of an Aloe vera gel extract.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis in calves is a major public and veterinary health concern worldwide because of its zoonotic potential and associated economic losses in cattle farms. However, this condition has lacked adequate attention; thus, to develop effective control measures, we determined ringworm prevalence, risk factors, and the direct-sample nested PCR diagnostic indices compared with the conventional methods of dermatophytes identification. Moreover, the phenolic composition of an Aloe vera gel extract (AGE) and its in vitro and in vivo antidermatophytic activity were evaluated and compared with those of antifungal drugs. RESULTS: Of the 760 calves examined, 55.79% (424/760) showed ringworm lesions; 84.91% (360/424) were positive for fungal elements in direct-microscopy, and 79.72% (338/424) were positive in culture. Trichophyton verrucosum was the most frequently identified dermatophyte (90.24%). The risk of dermatophytosis was higher in 4-6-month-old vs. 1-month-old calves (60% vs. 41%), and in summer and winter compared with spring and autumn seasons (66 and 54% vs. 48%). Poor hygienic conditions, intensive breeding systems, animal raising for meat production, parasitic infestation, crossbreeding, and newly purchased animals were statistically significant risk factors for dermatophytosis. One-step PCR targeting the conserved regions of the 18S and 28S genes achieved unequivocal identification of T. verrucosum and T. mentagrophytes in hair samples. Nested-PCR exhibited an excellent performance in all tested diagnostic indices and increased the species-specific detection of dermatophytes by 20% compared with culture. Terbinafine and miconazole were the most active antifungal agents for dermatophytes. Gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, aloe-Emodin, quercetin, and rutin were the major phenolic compounds of AGE, as assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These compounds increased and synergized the antidermatophytic activity of AGE. The treated groups showed significantly lower clinical scores vs. the control group (P < 0.05). The calves were successfully treated with topical AGE (500 ppm), resulting in clinical and mycological cure within 14-28 days of the experiment; however, the recovery was achieved earlier in the topical miconazole 2% and AGE plus oral terbinafine groups. CONCLUSIONS: The nested PCR assay provided a rapid diagnostic tool for dermatophytosis and complemented the conventional methods for initiating targeted treatments for ringworm in calves. The recognized antidermatophytic potential of AGE is an advantageous addition to the therapeutic outcomes of commercial drugs.

Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Aloe Vera Gel on Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid in Rats.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal inflammation. Common clinical symptoms are weight loss, diarrhea, ulcers, and inflammation. Aloe vera (AV) has several medicinal properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory analgesic, and improvement of gastric and skin ulcers. This study aimed to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of AV gel on acetic acid-induced UC in rats. UC was induced in 48 rats by injection of 4% acetic acid into the rectum. Protective and treatment groups received treatments 7 days before and after the induction of colitis, respectively. The negative control group, the positive control group, and AV groups received distilled water, sulfasalazine, and 50 and 300 mg/kg of gel extract, respectively. Water and food intake and body weight changes were recorded. The extent of the mucosal ulcers, colon tissue thickening, and mucosal bleeding were scored by the Gerald classification system score (microscopy observations). Slides of tissues were prepared for pathologic assay using the modified Wallace method (macroscopic observations). The results of the macroscopic and microscopic examination showed protective and therapeutic effects of 50 mg/kg dose of AV on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats which reduces the inflammation, ulcers and tissue damage compared with negative control (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the amount of water and food intake, body weight changes, and colon weight in protective and treatment groups. Based on the results, AV gel could be used to improve the symptoms of UC, as well as prevent people who are susceptible to the UC.

Therapeutic Intervention of Aloe Gel Containing Nano-Sized and Micron-Sized Silver Sulfadiazine Gel on Second-Degree Burn: A Comparative Study.

The current work focuses on the formulation development, optimization, and in vivo assessment of nano-sized silver sulfadiazine ( nSSD) and micron-sized silver sulfadiazine ( mSSD) topical gel composed of Aloe vera gel ( Aloe gel) and Carbopol 940 for the management of second-degree burn wound. The optimized concentration of gel-forming agent (Carbopol 940) was chosen based on best possible consistency and spreadability of the gel. The second-degree burn infliction was developed in the posterior region of rats followed by anesthesia. Afterward, the created wounds were further treated individually by both the gel formulation (1 application daily) for 14 days and observations were recorded. The nSSD gel showed better wound healing and a higher degree of tissue hyperplasia as compared with mSSD gel in rats. In vitro drug release study showed better drug release from nSSD gel (74.25 ± 3.331%) as compared with mSSD gel formulation (61.32 ± 2.112%) after 24 hours. The nSSD and mSSD topical gel-treated rats showed 95.63% and 78.75% wound healing after 14 days, while in the case of control group rats, 48.65% wound contraction was seen after 14 days. Furthermore, the histopathological study revealed that the nSSD gel was more efficient in controlling the wound infection and showed better wound healing as compared with mSSD gel formulation.

Caracterización de matrices de Polivinil alcohol-Alginato-Quitosano-Aloe vera / Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Alginate-Chitosan-Aloe Vera Matrix / Caracterização da Matriz de Polivinil Álcool-Alginato-Quitosana-Aloe Vera

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue obtener un sistema que pueda ser usado para conservar de manera localizada en una herida dérmica las propiedades cicatrizantes y refrescantes del Aloe Vera usado en la medicina tradicional, integrando dicho principio activo en una matriz polimérica compuesta por alginato, quitosano y alcohol polivinílico (PVA), los cuales en conjunto poseen propiedades de resistencia mecánica, biodegradabilildad y biocompatibilidad, necesarios para este tipo de aplicación. Para llevar a cabo esta investigación, se evaluó la morfología, grupos funcionales, propiedades mecánicas y cinética de liberación de las muestras. Cada una de las matrices evidenciaron una morfología con poros interconectados y estabilidad mecánica. La liberación de Aloe vera desde la matriz de PVA-alginato-quitosano tuvo un comportamiento no fickiano, mientras la de alginato-quitosano siguió un comportamiento más cercano al fickiano. Las matrices de PVA-quitosano-alginato y alginato- quitosano por sus características, mecánicas, morfológicas de poros definidos e interconectados, y de cinética de liberación representan buenos modelos para ser tenidos en cuenta como sistemas de liberación controlada de medicamentos.

Abstract The purpose of this work was to obtain polymeric systems from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), alginate and chitosan as possible matrix to encapsulate Aloe vera gel, seeking to integrate mechanical strength, biodegradability and biocompatibility of these polymers. In addition, Aloe vera gives the polymer matrix healing and emollient properties. Morphology, functional groups, mechanical properties and kinetic release behavior of the samples were evaluated. The matrices showed a morphology with interconnected pores and mechanical stability. The release of Aloe vera from the matrix of PVA-alginate-chitosan exhibited a non Fickian behavior, while alginate-chitosan presented a closer to Fickian behavior. PVA-chitosan-alginate and chitosan matrices, by their mechanical, morphological and interconnected and well defined pores, and alginate-release kinetics properties, represent good models to be taken into account as systems of controlled drug release.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter sistemas poliméricos a partir de Polivinil Álcool (PVA), alginato e quitosana como possíveis matrizes para encapsular o gel de Aloe vera, buscando integrar resistência mecânica, biodegradabilidade e biocompatibilidade desses polímeros. Além disso, a Aloe vera confere propriedades de cura e emoliência à matriz polimérica. Morfologia, grupos funcionais, propriedades mecânicas e comportamento de liberação cinética das amostras foram avaliados. As matrizes mostraram uma morfologia com poros interconectados e estabilidade mecânica. A liberação de Aloe vera a partir da matriz de PVA-alginato-quitosana exibiu um comportamento não Fickiano, enquanto alginato-quitosana apresentou um comportamento mais próximo ao Fickiano. As matrizes PVA-quitosana-alginato e quitosana, por seus poros mecânicos, morfológicos e interconectados e bem definidos, e as propriedades cinéticas de liberação de alginato, representam bons modelos a serem considerados como sistemas de liberação controlada do fármaco.

Polysaccharide isolated from Aloe vera gel suppresses ovalbumin-induced food allergy through inhibition of Th2 immunity in mice.

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substance called allergen that gains access to the body. Food allergy is a hypersensitive immune reaction to food proteins and the number of patients with food allergy has recently increased. Aloe Vera is used for wellness and medicinal purposes. In particular, Aloe vera has been reported to enhance immunity. However, the effect of Aloe vera on food allergy is not yet known. In this study, we investigated the effects of processed Aloe vera gel (PAG) containing low molecular weight Aloe polysaccharide (AP) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy in mice. Allergic symptoms, rectal temperature, and diarrhea were measured in OVA-induced food allergy mice. Other allergic parameters were also analyzed by RT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and other biochemical methods. As the results, PAG suppressed the decrease of body temperature, diarrhea, and allergic symptoms in OVA-induced food allergy mice. PAG also reduced serum concentrations of type 2 helper T cell (Th2) cytokines (Interleukin-(IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13) as well as histamine, mast cell protease-1 (MCP-1), and immunoglobulin (Ig)E. PAG blocked the degranulation of mast cells and infiltration of eosinophils in intestine. Furthermore, PAG suppressed the population of Th2 cells in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. PAG also increased the production of IL-10 and population of type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells in mice with food allergy. Taken together, our findings suggest that PAG suppressed Th2 immune responses through, at least partially, stimulating the secretion of IL-10 in food allergy mice.

The influence of Aloe vera gel incorporation on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of banana starch-chitosan edible films.

BACKGROUND: Aloe vera (AV) gel is a promising material in food conservation, given its widely reported antimicrobial and antioxidant activity; however, its application in the formation of edible films and coatings has been small owing its low film-forming capability. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of film-forming solutions and films prepared using unripe banana starch-chitosan and AV gel at different AV gel concentrations. RESULTS: Our results showed that AV gel considerably affected the rheological and optical properties of the edible coatings, mainly due to increased amounts of solids brought by the AV gel. Film-forming capacity and physicochemical properties were also studied; most of the film properties were affected by the inclusion of AV gel, with decreased water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared studies showed that the inclusion of AV gel disrupts the interaction between starch and chitosan molecules; however, further studies are needed to fully understand the specific interactions between the components of AV gel and both starch and chitosan molecules. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the addition of AV gel creates a crosslinking effect between the phenolic compounds in AV gel and starch molecules, which disrupts the starch-chitosan interaction and greatly affects the properties of both the film-forming solution and edible films. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oral Lichen Planus in a Pediatric Patient: A Novel Therapeutic Approach.

Lichen planus is a mucocutaneous disease, predominantly affecting the middle-aged individuals and may be associated with a plethora of signs and symptoms related to the skin, scalp, nails and mucous membranes. The definitive etiology of lichen planus is not yet known and no therapeutic modality has yet been universally accepted. Lichen planus in pediatric patients is a rare phenomenon and its presence in the oral mucosa is even rarer. The aim of this article is to present a rare case of a symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP) occurring in a 12-year old child that was managed successfully with a novel sequential modality of topical retinoids followed by aloe vera gel application.