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Catalano A, Ceramella J, Iacopetta D, Marra M, Conforti F, Lupi FR, Gabriele D, Borges F, Sinicropi MS. Aloe vera-An Extensive Review Focused on Recent Studies. Foods 2024; 13:2155. [PMID: 38998660 PMCID: PMC11241682 DOI: 10.3390/foods13132155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Filomena Conforti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca R Lupi
- Department of Information, Modeling, Electronics and System Engineering, (D.I.M.E.S.), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 39C, CS, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabriele
- Department of Information, Modeling, Electronics and System Engineering, (D.I.M.E.S.), University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 39C, CS, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP-IMS-Centro de Investigação em Química da Universidade do Porto, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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Luo H, Ji X, Zhang M, Ren Y, Tan R, Jiang H, Wu X. Aloe-emodin: Progress in Pharmacological Activity, Safety, and Pharmaceutical Formulation Applications. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1784-1798. [PMID: 38639277 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575298364240409064833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Aloe-emodin (AE) is an anthraquinone derivative and a biologically active component sourced from various plants, including Rheum palmatum L. and Aloe vera. Known chemically as 1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-anthraquinone, AE has a rich history in traditional medicine and is esteemed for its accessibility, safety, affordability, and effectiveness. AE boasts multiple biochemical and pharmacological properties, such as strong antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. Despite its array of benefits, AE's identity as an anthraquinone derivative raises concerns about its potential for liver and kidney toxicity. Nevertheless, AE is considered a promising drug candidate due to its significant bioactivities and cost efficiency. Recent research has highlighted that nanoformulated AE may enhance drug delivery, biocompatibility, and pharmacological benefits, offering a novel approach to drug design. This review delves into AE's pharmacological impacts, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile, incorporating insights from studies on its nanoformulations. The goal is to outline the burgeoning research in this area and to support the ongoing development and utilization of AE-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimeng Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaoyun Ji
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Mengyu Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yaoyao Ren
- School of Chemistry, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, P.R. China
| | - Rui Tan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Hezhong Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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Advances in Understanding the Role of Aloe Emodin and Targeted Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7928200. [PMID: 35087619 PMCID: PMC8789423 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7928200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the important causes of death worldwide. Despite remarkable improvements in cancer research in the past few decades, several cancer patients still cannot be cured owing to the development of drug resistance. Natural sources might have prominence as potential drug candidates. Among the several chemical classes of natural products, anthraquinones are characterized by their large structural variety, noticeable biological activity, and low toxicity. Aloe emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, is a natural compound found in the roots and rhizomes of many plants. This compound has proven its antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antiproliferative potential as well as ability to prevent cancer metastasis and potential in reversing multidrug resistance of cancer cells. The anticancer property of aloe emodin, a broad-spectrum inhibitory agent of cancer cells, has been detailed in many biological pathways. In cancer cells, these molecular mechanisms consist of inhibition of cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle arrest deterioration, initiation of apoptosis, antimetastasis, and antiangiogenic effect. In accordance with the strategy of developing potential drug candidates from natural products, aloe emodin's low bioavailability has been tried to be overcome by structural modifications and nanocarrier systems. Consequently, this review summarizes the antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic properties of aloe emodin, as well as the enhanced activity of its derivatives and the advantages of drug delivery systems on bioavailability.
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Shen F, Ge C, Yuan P. Aloe-emodin induces autophagy and apoptotic cell death in non-small cell lung cancer cells via Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 886:173550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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