Characterization of the metabolism of aloin A/B and aloesin in rats by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Aloe vera-An Extensive Review Focused on Recent Studies

Since ancient times, Aloe vera L. (AV) has attracted scientific interest because of its multiple cosmetic and medicinal properties, attributable to compounds present in leaves and other parts of the plant. The collected literature data show that AV and its products have a beneficial influence on human health, both by topical and oral use, as juice or an extract. Several scientific studies demonstrated the numerous biological activities of AV, including, for instance, antiviral, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal. Moreover, its important antidepressant activity in relation to several diseases, including skin disorders (psoriasis, acne, and so on) and prediabetes, is a growing field of research. This comprehensive review intends to present the most significant and recent studies regarding the plethora of AV's biological activities and an in-depth analysis exploring the component/s responsible for them. Moreover, its morphology and chemical composition are described, along with some studies regarding the single components of AV available in commerce. Finally, valorization studies and a discussion about the metabolism and toxicological aspects of this "Wonder Plant" are reported.

Extraction and identification of polyphenol from Camellia oleifera leaves using tailor-made deep eutectic solvents based on COSMO-RS design

Camellia oleifera leaf is a rich source of polyphenols. In this study, 50 polyphenolic compounds from C. oleifera leaves was identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Accordingly, COSMO-RS was used in the design of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to extract those polyphenols. 17 types of choline chloride (ChCl)-based DESs molecules (ChCl-acid, ChCl-sugar, ChCl-alcohol, ChCl-amine and amide) were synthetized into virtual cluster molecules with Materials Studio software. They were used to determine the activity coefficients with the standard compounds. The results showed that the amine and amide-based DESs exhibited outstanding dissolution effects. Additionally, ChCl-acetamide was selected as the solvent in response surface methodology to optimize the ultrasound-assisted DES extraction process parameters, including ultrasonic power, ultrasonic time, and liquid-solid ratio, resulting in an improved total phenolic content of 131.63 ± 0.85 mg GAE/g. This study developed a system utilizing UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS to acquire specific substances required for COSMO-RS calculations.

Determination of aloesone in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS spectrometry and its application in a pharmacokinetic study

Aim: We aimed to develop a rapid and accurate LC-MS/MS method for determining the concentration of aloesone in rat plasma, and to investigate its pharmacokinetics. Methods: The rat plasma samples were extracted using acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Kinetex XB-C18 column, with a mobile phase of methanol and water (containing 0.1‰ formic acid) in a gradient elution. An ESI source, operating in positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring, was utilized. Results & conclusion: The developed method meets all the requirements for methodological validation, and it was successfully applied in the pharmacokinetic study. It was observed that oral administration of aloesone in rats resulted in rapid absorption (time to reach Cmax: 0.083 h) but low bioavailability (12.59%).

In vivo metabolism combined network pharmacology to identify anti-constipation constituents in Aloe barbadensis Mill

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe vera), is a homology of medicine and food plant, widely applied in functional food, cosmetics, and medicine. Aloe vera whole leaf extract, one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), is mainly used in China to treat functional constipation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the active constituents of Aloe vera for treating functional constipation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prototype constituents and metabolites in rat plasma and excreta after oral administration of Aloe vera whole leaf extract were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and the pharmacokinetics (PK) properties of its key anti-constipation constituents speculated by network pharmacology were investigated via the established UFLC-MS/MS method.

RESULTS

A total of 13 prototype constituents and 56 metabolites were identified in rat plasma, urine, and feces after oral administration of Aloe vera. Among them, aloesin, aloenin, aloin B, aloin A, and aloe-emodin were intimately connected to the core targets of constipation in network pharmacology analysis, and recognized as major anti-constipation constituents in Aloe vera. The validated quantitative method of the six active constituents in rat plasma exhibited good linearity, and lower limits of quantification (0.64-1.95 ng/mL). Aloin A, aloin B, aloeresin D and aloe-emodin exhibited better absorption and slower elimination rate, whereas the others, including aloesin and aloenin showed fast absorption and elimination in rat plasma after oral administration of Aloe vera. Aloin A and its isomer aloin B present similar Tmax and t1/2 but different AUC and Cmax values, indicating different relative bioavailability. The results suggested that aloin A, aloin B and aloe-emodin may be key constituents of Aloe vera for the treatment of constipation, and the other constituents including aloeresin D also contribute to its anti-constipation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will benefit understanding the contributions of those constituents for the anti-constipation effect of Aloe vera and also provide valuable information for its application in functional food development and clinics.