Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bilal Ahmad, M. I. Khan, M. A. Naeem, Aiyeshah Alhodaib, Mahvish Fatima, Mongi Amami, Eman A. Al-Abbad, Abida Kausar, Norah Alwadai, Arif Nazir, Munawar Iqbal
Summary: A cost-effective and eco-friendly green synthesis method was used to prepare NiO nanoparticles using Aloe vera gel. The NPs annealed at 500 degrees C exhibited promising antibacterial activity, outperforming antifungal activity, indicating the potential of Aloe vera gel in preparing NiO NPs with significant antimicrobial activity for medical applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Francesca Comas-Serra, Paula Estrada, Rafael Minjares-Fuentes, Antoni Femenia
Summary: This study evaluated the content and degree of acetylation (DA) of acemannan in 15 different commercial beverages containing Aloe vera. Flavoured beverages had low levels of acemannan and were fully deacetylated in most cases, likely due to the addition of fruit juices. Unflavoured beverages had variable levels of acemannan, with some samples containing very low amounts. Legislation regarding Aloe vera products is limited, leaving consumers uncertain about the true properties of the products they purchase.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Anil Tevfik Kocer, Azime Erarslan, Didem Ozcimen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the pyrolytic behavior of Aloe vera leaf waste, determine the pyrolysis kinetic parameters and characterize the biochar obtained. The results showed that the pyrolysis of Aloe vera waste occurred in three stages, with approximately 65% of the mass removed. Based on the kinetic and characterization results, it was found that Aloe vera leaf wastes are a suitable source for biochar production and the obtained biochar can be used in various applications such as adsorption, agriculture and combustion.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Heping Shang, Chuanxin Ma, Chunyang Li, Zeyu Cai, Yu Shen, Lanfang Han, Cuiping Wang, Jimmy Tran, Wade H. Elmer, Jason C. White, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigated the antifungal mechanism of aloe vera extract gel-biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) in suppressing Fusarium-induced wilt disease in lettuce. The results showed that the release rate of AVGE Se NPs was higher than that of bare Se NPs, and they significantly increased the growth of lettuce and regulated the levels of endogenous substances. Moreover, AVGE Se NPs increased the diversity of bacterial endophytes.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giovanna Rassu, Milena Sorrenti, Laura Catenacci, Barbara Pavan, Luca Ferraro, Elisabetta Gavini, Maria Cristina Bonferoni, Paolo Giunchedi, Alessandro Dalpiaz
Summary: Cyclodextrins (CDs) have various biological activities and are used in nasal formulations for versatile drug delivery systems intended for local and systemic effects, as well as for nose-to-brain transport of drugs. The research on new nasal applications of CDs is evolving and Italian research will continue to contribute to this field in the coming years.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shiza Malik, Maha Niazi, Maham Khan, Bisma Rauff, Sidra Anwar, Faheem Amin, Rumeza Hanif
Summary: This study synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Aloe vera extract, honey, and Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract. The optimal synthesis parameters were determined and the crystal structure of AuNPs was evaluated. The size, shape, and stability of AuNPs were confirmed using various analyses. Drug-conjugated nanoparticles were found to have potential for breast cancer treatment.
Article
Polymer Science
Petruta Preda, Ana-Maria Enciu, Cristiana Tanase, Maria Dudau, Lucian Albulescu, Monica-Elisabeta Maxim, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Oana Brincoveanu, Marioara Avram
Summary: This study aimed to investigate and develop amorphous and crosslinked hydrogels based on natural compounds, such as sodium alginate, aloe vera gel powder, and chitosan, for tumor spheroid formation. The results showed that adding chitosan allowed the formation of spheroids at pH 5, while low viscosity and pH 12 aloe vera gels also promoted spheroid formation. Crosslinked hydrogel variants enhanced spheroid formation efficiency.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Saeideh Sabbaghzadegan, Haide Golsorkhi, Mohammad Hossein Soltani, Mohammad Kamalinejad, Mohsen Bahrami, Ali Kabir, Majid Dadmehr
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are the most prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality in both men and women, associated with various risk factors. Aloe vera gel, with its multiple biological activities, has shown beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors, but further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish its clinical efficacy.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hafezeh Nabipour, Sohrab Rohani
Summary: This research aims to find an effective method to incorporate the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen (NAP) into a prototype zirconium metal-organic frameworks nanohybrid (Zr-MOF@NAP) and aloe vera (AV) biopolymer (Zr-MOF@NAP/AV) as a specific intestinal delivery vehicle. The NAP entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of Zr-MOF@NAP/AV were found to be 87.0% and 44.0%, respectively. The pH-responsive nature of AV enabled Zr-MOF@NAP/AV to show limited drug release at pH 1.2 and a higher percentage of drug release at pH 6.8 and 7.4. The MTT assay showed good cytocompatibility of Zr-MOF@NAP and Zr-MOF@NAP/AV against human fibroblast cells (HFFF2).
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sibusiso Alven, Vuyolwethu Khwaza, Opeoluwa O. Oyedeji, Blessing A. Aderibigbe
Summary: Aloe vera, a plant extract rich in essential nutrients, has attracted significant attention in wound management for its positive effects on wound healing process. Most currently used wound dressing materials face challenges such as poor antimicrobial properties and weak mechanical performance, requiring better alternative solutions.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Vishnu Sujeesh, Godwin Ponraj, Hongliang Ren
Summary: This article presents the design and fabrication procedure of a novel soft-pressure sensor using Aloe vera gel and Glycerin as the solvent. The performance of sensor prototypes with varying solvent concentrations and geometric parameters is compared. The proposed sensor is entirely soft and can be designed to conform to any desired geometry.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Duoduo Zhang, Xingtao Zhou, Ke Zhang, Yongkang Yu, Steve W. Cui, Shaoping Nie
Summary: This study found that polysaccharides from Aloe vera gel can protect intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction by activating the Nrf2-mitochondrial axis, improving the impaired intestinal barrier function in inflammatory bowel disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Florence Nalimu, Joseph Oloro, Emanuel L. Peter, Patrick Engeu Ogwang
Summary: Several local communities in Uganda have been using Aloe vera extracts for treatment, and commercial companies sell Aloe vera as soft drinks. This study investigated the oral toxicity of Aloe vera extracts in rats and found that they are non-toxic at high doses for short durations, but prolonged use of whole leaf extract may cause kidney toxicity.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chia-Chi Chiu, Yi-Wen Hsiao, Yu-Chuan Wen, Tsung-Yen Chang, Shih-Hsiang Chen, Tang-Her Jaing
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of topical Aloe vera gel in preventing chemotherapy-induced hyperpigmentation (CIH). The results showed that continuous application of Aloe vera gel can reduce the visibility of hyperpigmentation caused by chemotherapy, highlighting its potential as a treatment for CIH.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alina Hadi, Anjum Nawab, Feroz Alam, Kishwar Zehra
Summary: Biodegradable films based on sodium alginate and aloe vera were prepared and characterized. The addition of aloe vera gel improved the mechanical and physico-chemical properties of the films, enhancing the tensile strength and reducing the water vapor permeability, making the film more effective as a moisture barrier.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tanya Smit, Carlemi Calitz, Clarissa Willers, Hanna Svitina, Josias Hamman, Stephen J. Fey, Chrisna Gouws, Krzysztof Wrzesinski
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chrisna Gouws, Tanya Smit, Clarissa Willers, Hanna Svitina, Carlemi Calitz, Krzysztof Wrzesinski
Summary: This study evaluated the potential activity of two South African medicinal plants, Sutherlandia frutescens and Xysmalobium undulatum, against colorectal cancer. The results indicated that these two phytomedicines have the potential to become a new source of treatment for colorectal cancer.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hanna Svitina, Josias H. Hamman, Chrisna Gouws
Summary: Aloe has been used as traditional folk medicine since ancient times and has shown therapeutic effects in cancer treatment. Phytochemical compounds from various Aloe species affect cell signaling and can be used as therapeutic agents, especially in cancer treatment.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Alex Laux, Josias Hamman, Hanna Svitina, Krzysztof Wrzesinski, Chrisna Gouws
Summary: The gel of aloe plants has demonstrated significant anti-melanoma effects on A375 cells in vitro, but further in vivo studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in the treatment of skin cancer.
JOURNAL OF HERBAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Liezaan van der Merwe, Hanna Svitina, Clarissa Willers, Krzysztof Wrzesinski, Chrisna Gouws
Summary: Researchers have developed an NCI-H69V SCLC functional spheroid model that can be used for future anticancer compound screening. The model is able to better represent the in vivo situation and tumor characteristics of small cell lung cancer.
BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anja Haasbroek-Pheiffer, Suzanne Van Niekerk, Frank van der Kooy, Theunis Cloete, Jan Steenekamp, Josias Hamman
Summary: The intranasal route of administration is a noninvasive method to deliver drugs into the systemic circulation and/or directly into the brain. In vitro and ex vivo models provide a means to investigate physiological and pharmaceutical factors that affect drug delivery across the nasal epithelium. Developing cost-effective pharmacokinetic models for intranasal drug delivery can improve drug product development and reduce the need for animal studies.
BIOPHARMACEUTICS & DRUG DISPOSITION
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Mmbulaheni Happiness Netshimbupfe, Jacques Bernera, Frank Van Der Kooy, Olakunle Oladimeji, Chrisna Gouws
Summary: Crop diversification is crucial for sustaining food security under current climatic conditions and also provides an opportunity for the introduction of new food products and medicinal plants. Effective exploration of Amaranthus in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region can provide economic and agricultural potential, high nutritional value and medicinal properties that can sustain communities.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Divan Vogel, Erwin Loots, Olakunle Oladimeji, Chrisna Gouws, Frank van der Kooy
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, resulting in over 600,000 deaths annually. Current treatments have disadvantages like drug resistance and side effects. The plant Artemisia afra, a popular herbal medicine in South Africa, has shown anticancer activity against lung cancer cells, and this study aims to further investigate this activity in breast cancer cells.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cassandra Kirby-Smith, Jan Steenekamp, Dewald Steyn, Anja Haasbroek-Pheiffer, Hannlie Hamman, Josias Hamman
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of microparticle formulations prepared from Aloe vera polysaccharides for nasal delivery of insulin across excised sheep olfactory and respiratory nasal epithelial tissues. The microparticle formulations significantly improved nasal insulin delivery compared to that of the control group. Therefore, Aloe vera polysaccharide containing microparticles showed high potential to enhance systemic bioavailability and delivery into the brain of macromolecular drugs such as insulin after intranasal administration.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anja Haasbroek-Pheiffer, Alvaro Viljoen, Jan Steenekamp, Weiyang Chen, Josias Hamman
Summary: The intranasal route of drug administration allows direct delivery into the brain by bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Medicinal plants like Centella asiatica and Mesembryanthemum tortuosum have shown scientific evidence in treating conditions like anxiety and depression. Permeation studies on asiaticoside and mesembrine, as well as crude extracts of C. asiatica and M. tortuosum, have demonstrated their potential for direct nose-to-brain delivery of psychoactive phytochemicals.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mmbulaheni Happiness Netshimbupfe, Jacques Berner, Frank van der Kooy, Olakunle Oladimeji, Chrisna Gouws
Summary: Drought and heat stress affect the accumulation of bioactive compounds in leafy vegetables. This study investigated their influence on phenolic and flavonoid compounds in Amaranthus species. The results showed a positive effect of drought and heat stress on the accumulation of caffeic acid and rutin. Cultivating these species in semi-arid and arid areas is feasible.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anri Hattingh, Jean-Pierre Laux, Clarissa Willers, Josias Hamman, Dewald Steyn, Hannlie Hamman
Summary: The study found that combining Aloe vera gel with Bulbine frutescens aqueous extract can enhance the wound healing properties of Aloe vera gel.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Alandi van Niekerk, Krzysztof Wrzesinski, Dewald Steyn, Chrisna Gouws
Summary: Small-cell lung cancer is a fast-growing and highly resistant carcinoma. Genetic mutations leading to the overexpression of efflux transporter proteins contribute to multidrug resistance. Three-dimensional models provide a more physiological representation of in vivo settings compared to traditional two-dimensional models. In this study, a drug-resistant mini-tumor model was developed using a rotating bioreactor system, demonstrating its viability and applicability in anti-cancer research.
Article
Plant Sciences
Neil Miller, Christiaan Johannes Malherbe, Werner Gerber, Josias H. Hamman, Marietader van der Rijst, Marique Aucamp, Elizabeth Joubert
Summary: The study found that fractions enriched in xanthones and benzophenones exhibited high efflux ratios in excised porcine jejunal tissue, suggesting that these compounds mainly act in the intestine and are effectively concentrated at the target site (gut lumen).
Article
Polymer Science
Morne Weyers, Bianca Peterson, Josias H. Hamman, Jan H. Steenekamp
Summary: This study aimed to enhance the delivery of macromolecular drugs across ovine nasal epithelial tissues by incorporating piperine into chitosan microparticle formulations. Two distinct sizes of chitosan microparticles were prepared using ionic gelation, demonstrating a promising approach for nasal drug delivery of poorly bioavailable drugs.
