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

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Mar 1;19(5):521-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01874.x.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aloe*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Colitis, Ulcerative / drug therapy*
  • Eicosanoids / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-8 / metabolism
  • Intestinal Mucosa
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy / methods*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Eicosanoids
  • Gels
  • Interleukin-8
  • Plant Extracts
  • Reactive Oxygen Species