Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera gel in human colorectal mucosa in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Oral aloe vera gel is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease and is under therapeutic evaluation for this condition. AIM: To assess the effects of aloe vera in vitro on the production of reactive oxygen metabolites, eicosanoids and interleukin-8, all of which may be pathogenic in inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: The anti-oxidant activity of aloe vera was assessed in two cell-free, radical-generating systems and by the chemiluminescence of incubated colorectal mucosal biopsies. Eicosanoid production by biopsies and interleukin-8 release by CaCo2 epithelial cells in the presence of aloe vera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Aloe vera gel had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on reactive oxygen metabolite production; 50% inhibition occurred at 1 in 1000 dilution in the phycoerythrin assay and at 1 in 10-50 dilution with biopsies. Aloe vera inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 by 30% at 1 in 50 dilution (P = 0.03), but had no effect on thromboxane B2 production. The release of interleukin-8 by CaCo2 cells fell by 20% (P < 0.05) with aloe vera diluted at 1 in 100, but not at 1 in 10 or 1 in 1000 dilutions. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory actions of aloe vera gel in vitro provide support for the proposal that it may have a therapeutic effect in inflammatory bowel disease.

5-amino-salicylate in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

The role of aminosalicylates in the treatment of idiopathic bowel disease is reviewed, with emphasis on how the different formulations can be used in different clinical manifestations. Although not fully understood, the possible mechanisms of action of these agents are discussed and their adverse reactions noted. Their use in clinical practice, both in acute disease and in remission, is outlined with particular reference to the different delivery characteristics of the aminosalicylates, thus allowing their use according to the distribution of the disease. Finally, benefits that might come from maintenance therapy, including possible reduction in post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease and the risk of colorectal cancer are mentioned.