Thymol, a Monoterpenoid within Polymeric Iodophor Formulations and Their Antimicrobial Activities.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an emanating threat to humanity's future. The effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics against microbial infections is declining at an alarming rate. As a result, morbidity and mortality rates are soaring, particularly among immunocompromised populations. Exploring alternative solutions, such as medicinal plants and iodine, shows promise in combating resistant pathogens. Such antimicrobials could effectively inhibit microbial proliferation through synergistic combinations. In our study, we prepared a formulation consisting of Aloe barbadensis Miller (AV), Thymol, iodine (I2), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Various analytical methods including SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD were carried out to verify the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thymol-I2. We evaluated the inhibitory effects of this formulation against 10 selected reference strains using impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 were assessed through disc diffusion methods against 10 reference strains in comparison with two common antibiotics. The 25-month-old formulation exhibited slightly lower inhibitory zones, indicating changes in the sustained-iodine-release reservoir. Our findings confirm AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 as a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent against the reference strains, demonstrating particularly strong inhibitory action on surgical sutures, cotton bandages, and face masks. These results enable the potential use of the formulation AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 as a promising antimicrobial agent against wound infections and as a spray-on contact-killing agent.

Role of acemannan and pectic polysaccharides in saline-water stress tolerance of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) plant.

This study investigates the impact of water and salinity stress on Aloe vera, focusing on the role of Aloe vera polysaccharides in mitigating these stresses. Pectins and acemannan were the most affected polymers. Low soil moisture and high salinity (NaCl 80 mM) increased pectic substances, altering rhamnogalacturonan type I in Aloe vera gel. Aloe vera pectins maintained a consistent 60 % methyl-esterification regardless of conditions. Interestingly, acemannan content rose with salinity, particularly under low moisture, accompanied by 90 to 150 % acetylation increase. These changes improved the functionality of Aloe vera polysaccharides: pectins increased cell wall reinforcement and interactions, while highly acetylated acemannan retained water for sustained plant functions. This study highlights the crucial role of Aloe vera polysaccharides in enhancing plant resilience to water and salinity stress, leading to improved functional properties.

Investigations on physiochemical and biomedical properties of Aloe vera - Sterculia gum copolymeric dressings impregnated with antibiotic-anesthetic drugs to enhance wound healing.

Recently, various innovative advancements have been made in carbohydrate research to design versatile materials for biomedical applications. The current research focuses on the development of copolymeric hydrogel wound dressings (HWD) using a combination of aloe vera (AV) - sterculia gum (SG) - poly (vinylsulfonic acid) (VSA)-based with the aim to enhancing their efficacy in drug delivery (DD) applications. These hydrogel dressings were encapsulated with levofloxacin and lidocaine to address both microbial infection and pain. Copolymers were characterized by FESEM, SEM, EDS, AFM, 13C NMR, FTIR, XRD, and TGA-DTG analysis. Hydrogel exhibited a fluid absorption capacity of 4.52 ± 0.12 g per gram of polymeric dressing in simulated wound conditions. The hydrogels displayed a sustained release of drugs, demonstrating a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Polymer dressings revealed antibacterial, mucoadhesive, antioxidant, biocompatible and non-cytotoxic properties. Additionally, HWD displayed permeability to O2 and water vapour, yet was impermeable to microbial penetration. Overall, the findings of physiological, biochemical and drug delivery properties demonstrated the suitability of materials for wound dressing applications.

A nanocomposite hydrogel loaded with Ag nanoparticles reduced by aloe vera polysaccharides as an antimicrobial multifunctional sensor.

Developing high-performance hydrogels with anti-freeze, and antimicrobial properties is crucial for the practical application of flexible sensors. In this study, we prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with aloe polysaccharide (AP) as a reducing agent. Then, the AP/AgNPs were added to a system of polyvinyl alcohol and borax crosslinked in water/glycerol to obtain a multifunctional conductive hydrogel. The incorporated AgNPs improved the conductivity (0.39 S/m) and mechanical properties (elongation at break: 732.9 %, fracture strength: 1267.6 kPa) of the hydrogel. In addition, resultant hydrogel exhibited potential for sensing strain, temperature, and humidity. When used as a strain sensor, the hydrogel system exhibited low detection limit (0.1 %), and fast response (0.08 s). The resistance of the hydrogel decreased with an increase in the absorbed moisture content, enabling humidity detection (25-95 %) to monitor breathing status. As a temperature sensor, the hydrogel supported a wide detection range (-50 to +90 °C) and sensitivity (-30-0 °C, temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) = -5.64 %/°C) to detect changes in the ambient temperature. This study proposes a simple method for manufacturing multifunctional hydrogel sensors, which broadens their application prospects in wearable sensing and electronic products.

Nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum as a potential fat replacer for a promising approach to healthier cake production.

In recent years, there increment demand for healthier food options that can replace high-fat ingredients in bakery products without compromising their taste and texture. This research was focused on a formulation study of the blend of nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum at various concentrations. This study selected the blend concentration of 1 % aloe vera mucilage (AM) and 1 % guar gum (GG) due to its optimal gelling properties. Different magnetic stirring time durations were employed to formulate AGB (aloe vera guar gum blend). The particle size of AGB revealed the lowest nanoparticle size (761.03 ± 62 nm) with a stirring time of 4 h. The FTIR analysis found the presence of monomer sugars in AGB nano polysaccharide powder such as mannose, arabinose, and glucose. The thermogram results displayed an endothermic peak for all samples with a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 16 and 50 °C. The SEM image of the AGB indicated uniform spherical particles. The AGB powder exhibited good functional properties. The antimicrobial activity of AGB powder against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was 22.32 ± 0.02, 21.56 ± 0.02, and 19.33 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of different levels of vegetable fat replacement with AGB powder on cake sensory properties, thermal stability, and texture characteristics were also examined. Notably, the cake containing a 50 % substitution of vegetable fat with AGB (C50) supplied desirable physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. These results can provide advantages for the development of fat replacers in bakery products.

The Indiscriminate Chemical Makeup of Secondary Metabolites Derived from Endophytes Harvested from Aloe barbadensis Miller in South Africa's Limpopo Region.

The efficacy of 23 bacterial isolates obtained from surface-sterilized stems and leaves of three medicinal plants (Aloe barbadensis Miller, Artemisia afra, and Moringa oleifera) was investigated in an endeavour to prevent the growth of Mycobacterium bovis using the cross-streak method. Endophytes were isolated by incubating sterile plant materials on nutrient agar at 30 °C for 5 days. Two isolates showing activity were subsequently utilized to produce the extracts. Whole-genome sequencing (WGC) was used to identify the isolates. Secondary metabolites produced after 7 days of growth in nutrient broth were harvested through extraction with ethyl acetate. The extracts were chemically profiled using gas chromatography-high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS). NCBI BLAST search results revealed that the isolated endophytes belonged to the Pseudomonas and Enterobacter genera, based on WGC. Two endophytes, Aloe I4 and Aloe I3-I5 from Aloe barbadensis, exhibited potency based on the cross-streak method. The metabolite profiling of the selected endophytes identified 34 metabolites from Aloe I4, including ergotamine, octadecane, L-proline and 143 other metabolites including quinoline and valeramide, which inhibit microbial quorum sensing. These findings suggest that bacterial endophytes from medicinal plants, particularly Aloe barbadensis, hold promise as sources of antimycobacterial agents for human health applications.

Aloe juvenna Brandham & S.Carter as α-Amylase Inhibitor and Hypoglycaemic Agent with Anti-inflammatory Properties for Diabetes Management.

Despite Aloe's traditional use, Aloe juvenna Brandham & S.Carter is poorly characterized. Other Aloes are known for their antidiabetic activity. This study describes the antidiabetic potentials and phytoconstituents of the A. juvenna leaves methanolic extract (AJME). Twenty-six phytoconstituents of AJME were described using HPLC/MS-MS. Lupeol and vitexin were isolated using column chromatography. The antidiabetic activity of AJME was investigated using an in vivo high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model and in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity assays. AJME demonstrated its α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50=313±39.9 ppm) with no effect on α-glucosidase. In vivo, AJME dose-dependently improved hyperglycaemia in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Notably, the higher dose (1600 mg/kg) of AJME significantly downregulated serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 genes, suggesting its anti-inflammatory effect. These findings indicate AJME's potential as a significant antidiabetic agent through its α-amylase inhibition, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe vera-based biomaterial ink for 3D bioprinting of wound dressing constructs.

This study emphasizes the development of a multifunctional biomaterial ink for wound healing constructs. The biomaterial ink benefits from Aloe vera's intrinsic biocompatible, biodegradable, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory attributes, thus alleviating the need for supplementary substances employed to combat infections and stimulate tissue regeneration. Moreover, this biomaterial ink seeks to address the scarcity of standardized printable materials possessing adequate biocompatibility and physicochemical properties, which hinder its widespread clinical adoption. The biomaterial ink was synthesized via ionic crosslinking to enhance its rheological and mechanical characteristics. The findings revealed that Aloe vera substantially boosted the hydrogel's viscoelastic behavior, enabling superior compressive modulus and the extrusion of fine filaments. The bioprinted constructs exhibited desirable resolution and mechanical strength while displaying a porous microstructure analogous to the native extracellular matrix. Biological response demonstrated no detrimental impact on stem cell viability upon exposure to the biomaterial ink, as confirmed by live/dead assays. These outcomes validate the potential of the developed biomaterial ink as a resource for the bioprinting of wound dressings that effectively foster cellular proliferation, thereby promoting enhanced wound healing by leveraging Aloe vera's inherent properties.

New opportunities and perspectives on biosynthesis and bioactivities of secondary metabolites from Aloe vera.

Historically, the genus Aloe has been an indispensable part of both traditional and modern medicine. Decades of intensive research have unveiled the major bioactive secondary metabolites of this plant. Recent pandemic outbreaks have revitalized curiosity in aloe metabolites, as they have proven pharmacokinetic profiles and repurposable chemical space. However, the structural complexity of these metabolites has hindered scientific advances in the chemical synthesis of these compounds. Multi-omics research interventions have transformed aloe research by providing insights into the biosynthesis of many of these compounds, for example, aloesone, aloenin, noreugenin, aloin, saponins, and carotenoids. Here, we summarize the biological activities of major aloe secondary metabolites with a focus on their mechanism of action. We also highlight the recent advances in decoding the aloe metabolite biosynthetic pathways and enzymatic machinery linked with these pathways. Proof-of-concept studies on in vitro, whole-cell, and microbial synthesis of aloe compounds have also been briefed. Research initiatives on the structural modification of various aloe metabolites to expand their chemical space and activity are detailed. Further, the technological limitations, patent status, and prospects of aloe secondary metabolites in biomedicine have been discussed.

Imprinted covalent organic frameworks solid-phase microextraction fiber for in vivo monitoring of acidic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in live aloe.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can lead to risks associated with animal and human health through the transfer along food chains. It is confirmed that PFASs can be transported to each part of plants after taken up by the roots. To better elucidate the underlying mechanisms for such exposure, it is highly valuable to develop analytical capabilities for in vivo monitoring of PFASs in live plants. In this work, a novel imprinted covalent organic frameworks (CMIP) solid-phase microextraction coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed with low limits of detection for six acidic PFASs (0.1-0.3 ng g-1) and used for in vivo monitoring in live aloe. The CMIP coating shows good precision (RSD of intra and inter ≤9.6 % and 10.2 %, respectively) and possesses much higher extraction efficiency than the commercial coatings. After cultivating aloe in soil spiked PFASs, the in vivo assays gave a wealth of information, including steady-state concentrations, translocation factors, elimination rate constants, and half-life of PFASs. The in vivo tracing method for live plants can provide much needed and unique information to evaluate the risk of PFASs, which are very important for the safety of agriculture production.

Gelatin/carboxymethyl chitosan/aloe juice hydrogels with skin-like endurance and quick recovery: Preparation, characterization, and properties.

Gelatin-based hydrogels have gained considerable attention due to their resemblance to the extracellular matrix and hydrophilic three-dimensional network structure. Apart from providing an air-permeable and moist environment, these hydrogels optimize the inflammatory microenvironment of the wounds. These properties make gelatin-based hydrogels highly competitive in the field of wound dressings. In this study, a series of composite hydrogels were prepared using gelatin (Gel) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) as primary materials, glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker, and aloe vera juice as an anti-inflammatory component. The properties of the hydrogel, including its rheological properties, microscopic structures, mechanical properties, swelling ratios, thermal stability, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility, were investigated. The results demonstrate that the gelatin-based hydrogels exhibit good elasticity and rapid self-healing ability. The hydrogels exhibited slight shear behavior, which is advantageous for skin care applications. Furthermore, the inclusion of aloe vera juice into the hydrogel resulted in a dense structure, improved mechanical properties and enhanced swelling ratio. The Gel/CMCh/Aloe hydrogels tolerate a compressive strength similar to that of human skin. Moreover, the hydrogels displayed excellent cytocompatibility with HFF-1 cells, and exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Lomefloxacin was used as a model drug to study the releasing behavior of the Gel/CMCh/aloe hydrogels. The results showed that the drug was released rapidly at the initial stage, and could continue to be released for 12 h, the maximum releasing rate exceeded 20 %. These findings suggest that the gelatin-based hydrogels hold great promise as effective wound dressings.

Characterization of novel alginate-Aloe Vera raft systems for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Raft-forming systems are designed to relieve reflux symptoms by forming a physical barrier on top of the stomach. The present study aimed to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of alginate-aloe vera raft-forming systems for the first time. To achieve this goal, aloe vera was used in the proportion of 1 and 1.5 % in raft suspensions containing 5 % alginate as the main component of gel structure. Rafts were characterized by their volume, floating behavior, thickness, swelling properties, strength, resilience, reflux resistance, and acid neutralization capacity (ANC). Results showed the effectiveness of aloe vera in forming rafts that were voluminous, buoyant with greater total floating time (TFT), and stronger than formulations with no aloe vera. Furthermore, data showed that the presence of aloe vera could improve resilience time, swelling proportions, resistance to reflux under simulant conditions of movement in the stomach, and ANC values of rafts. Rafts were further characterized by oscillatory strain sweep test, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Evaluation of the mechanical properties of rafts displayed a viscoelastic behavior of gels corresponding to the internal cross-linked structure of rafts. This study demonstrated that designing of alginate-aloe vera rafts can be suitable for the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disorders.

Haemostatic potency of sodium alginate/aloe vera/sericin composite scaffolds - preparation, characterisation, and evaluation.

Fabrication of haemostatic materials with excellent antimicrobial, biocompatible and biodegradable properties remains as a major challenge in the field of medicine. Haemostatic agents play vital role in protecting patients and military individuals during emergency situations. Natural polymers serve as promising materials for fabricating haemostatic compounds due to their efficacy in promoting hemostasis and wound healing. In the present work, sodium alginate/aloe vera/sericin (SA/AV/S) scaffold has been fabricated using a simple cost-effective casting method. The prepared SA/AV/S scaffolds were characterised for their physicochemical properties such as scanning electron microscope, UV-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. SA/AV/S scaffold showed good mechanical strength, swelling behaviour and antibacterial activity. In vitro experiments using erythrocytes proved the hemocompatible and biocompatible features of SA/AV/S scaffold. In vitro blood clotting assay performed using human blood demonstrated the haemostatic and blood absorption properties of SA/AV/S scaffold. Scratch wound assay was performed to study the wound healing efficacy of prepared scaffolds. Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay carried out using fertilised embryos proved the angiogenic property of SA/AV/S scaffold. Thus, SA/AV/S scaffold could serve as a potential haemostatic healthcare product due to its outstanding haemostatic, antimicrobial, hemocompatible, biocompatible and angiogenic properties.

Isolation, preparation and investigation of leaf extracts of Aloe barbadensis for its remedial effects on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6) by in vivo and in silico approaches in experimental rats.

Aloe barbadensis is a stemless plant with a length of 60-100 cm with juicy leaves which is used for its remedial and healing properties in different suburbs of various countries. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of A. barbadensis leaf extract (aqueous and ethanolic) in yeast induced pyrexia and acetic acid induced writhing in rat model to evaluate the antipyretic biomarkers and its phytochemical screening with computational analysis. For analgesic activity model 60 Albino rats (160-200 kg) were divided into four groups. Of the 4 groups, control consisted of 6 rats (Group I) treated with normal saline, standard comprised of 6 rats treated with drug diclofenac (Group I). Experimental groups consisted of 48 rats, treated with A. barbadensis ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg (Group III. IV). For antipyretic activity group division was same as in analgesic activity. All groups were treated the same as in the analgesic activity except for the second group which was treated with paracetamol. In both antipyretic and analgesic activity at the dose of 400 mg/kg, group III showed significant inhibition. TNF-α and IL-6 showed significant antipyretic activity at a dose of 400 mg/kg. For molecular docking aloe emodin and cholestanol were used as ligand molecules to target proteins Tnf-α and IL-6. Acute oral toxicity study was performed. There was no mortality even at the dose of 2000 mg/kg. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening was performed for the detection of various phytochemicals. Hence, A. barbadensis leaf extracts can be used in the form of medicine for the treatment of pain and fever.

Platinum nanoflowers stabilized with aloe polysaccharides for detection of organophosphorus pesticides in food.

Organophosphorus pesticides can inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase and cause neurological diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to establish an efficient and sensitive platform for organophosphorus pesticide detection. In this work, we extracted aloe polysaccharide (AP) from aloe vera with the number average molecular weight of 27760 Da and investigated its reducing property. We prepared aloe polysaccharide stabilized platinum nanoflowers (AP-Ptn NFs), their particle size ranges were 29.4-67.3 nm. Furthermore, AP-Ptn NFs exhibited excellent oxidase-like activity and the catalytic kinetics followed the typical Michaelis-Menten equation. They showed strong affinity for 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine substrates. More importantly, we developed a simple and effective strategy for the sensitive colorimetric detection of organophosphorus pesticides in food using biocompatible AP-Ptn NFs. The detection range was 0.5 µg/L - 140 mg/L, which was wider than many previously reported nanozyme detection systems. This colorimetric biosensor had good selectivity and good promise for bioassay analysis.

3D printable, injectable amyloid-based composite hydrogel of bovine serum albumin and aloe vera for rapid diabetic wound healing.

Protein-based biomaterials, particularly amyloids, have sparked considerable scientific interest in recent years due to their exceptional mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. In this work, we have synthesized a novel amyloid-based composite hydrogel consisting of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and aloe vera (AV) gel to utilize the medicinal properties of the AV gel and circumvent its mechanical frangibility. The synthesized composite hydrogel demonstrated an excellent porous structure, self-fluorescence, non-toxicity, and controlled rheological properties. Moreover, this hydrogel possesses inherent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which accelerate the rapid healing of wounds. The in vitro wound healing capabilities of the synthesized composite hydrogel were evaluated using 3T3 fibroblast cells. Moreover, the efficacy of the hydrogel in accelerating chronic wound healing via collagen crosslinking was investigated through in vivo experiments using a diabetic mouse skin model. The findings indicate that the composite hydrogel, when applied, promotes wound healing by inducing collagen deposition and upregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. We also demonstrate the feasibility of the 3D printing of the BSA-AV hydrogel, which can be tailored to treat various types of wound. The 3D printed hydrogel exhibits excellent shape fidelity and mechanical properties that can be utilized for personalized treatment and rapid chronic wound healing. Taken together, the BSA-AV hydrogel has great potential as a bio-ink in tissue engineering as a dermal substitute for customizable skin regeneration.

Evaluating the influence of Aloe barbadensis extracts on edema induced changes in C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in albino rats through in vivo and in silico approaches.

The current study investigated the in-vivo and in-silico anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe barbadensis in edema induced rat and its blood biomarkers. 60 albino rats (160-200 g) were divided into 4 groups. The 1st group (control) comprised of 6 rats that were treated with saline. The 2nd group (standard) comprised of 6 rats that were treated with diclofenac. The 3rd and 4th experimental groups consisted of 48 rats, treated with A. barbadensis gel ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. According to paw sizes, groups III and IV showed 51% and 46% inhibition respectively at the 5th hour, as compared to group II with 61% inhibition. Correlation was negative between biomarkers in group III, while, positive in group IV. Blood samples were collected; C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Similarly, biomarkers showed significant effect in dose-dependent manner. In molecular docking, for CRP both ligands aloe emodin and emodin showed -7.5 kcal/mol binding energy as compared to diclofenac with -7.0 kcal/mol. For IL-1beta, both ligands showed -4.7 kcal/mol binding energy as compared to diclofenac -4.4 kcal/mol. Hence, we concluded that A. barbadensis extracts can be used as an effective drug for managing inflammation.

Agar/gelatin hydro-film containing EGF and Aloe vera for effective wound healing.

In the current study, we produced a hydro-film dressing for the treatment of chronic wounds. The hydro-film structure was composed of gelatin cross-linked with citric acid, agar and Aloe vera extract (AV); additionally epidermal growth factor (EGF) was loaded to promote wound healing. Due to the excellent hydrogel-forming ability of gelatin, the obtained hydro-film was able to swell 884 ± 36% of its dry weight, which could help controlling wound moisture. To improve gelatin mechanical properties, polymer chains were cross-linked with citric acid and agar, reaching an ultimate tensile strength that was in the highest range of human skin. In addition, it showed a slow degradation profile that resulted in a remaining weight of 28 ± 8% at day 28. Regarding, biological activity, the addition of AV and citric acid provided the ability to reduce human macrophage activation, which could help reverse the permanent inflammatory state of chronic wounds. Moreover, loaded EGF, together with the structural AV of the hydro-film, promoted human keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, respectively. Furthermore, the hydro-films presented excellent fibroblast adhesiveness, so they could be useful as provisional matrices for cell migration. Accordingly, these hydro-films showed suitable physicochemical characteristics and biological activity for chronic wound healing applications.

Promising effect of Geranium robertianum L. leaves and Aloe vera gel powder on Aspirin®-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats: anxiolytic behavioural effect, antioxidant activity, and protective pathways.

BACKGROUND: Many drugs have been restricted in the treatment of gastric ulcers (GU). So, herbal medicines are now in great demand for their better cultural acceptability, compatibility, and minimal side effects. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the protective efficacy of Aloe vera gel and Geranium robertianum extracts against Aspirin®-induced GU in Wistar rats. METHODS: Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of both herbs were analysed. Then, we divided forty female Wistar rats into five groups: a negative control group, a positive control group of Aspirin®-induced GU, and pretreated groups with Aloe Vera, geranium, and Famotidine (reference drug). The locomotor disability, anxiety-like behaviour, and ultrasonography were assessed. Ultimately, scarification of animals to determine gastric juice pH and ulcer index. Then the collection of stomach and liver for histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, besides tracing the oxidative stress biomarkers and related genes. RESULTS: High content of polyphenols was revealed in both extracts. The pretreatment with Aloe vera gel and geranium showed significant antioxidant activities with free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power (FRAP). Moreover, they improved the stomach architecture and alleviated anxiety-like behaviour and motor deficits. They significantly reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α), inflammatory, and oxidative stress genes (NF-KB, HO-1, Nrf-2) while increasing the Keap-1 in gastric mucosa. CONCLUSION: Data presented a significant protective effect of Aloe vera gel and geranium against Aspirin®-induced GU; they reduced gastric mucosal injury with potential anxiolytic effects through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, they may be considered promising agents for preventing or treating gastric ulceration.

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.