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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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Kaur S, Bains K. Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera). INT J VITAM NUTR RES 2024; 94:308-321. [PMID: 37915246 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera, AV) is a widely recognized for its diverse health-promoting, skin care, and medicinal properties. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of AV's bioactive compounds, pharmacological activities, potential applications, its toxic and adverse effects, as well as the clinical evidence supporting AV's efficacy in disease prevention. AV contains over 200 bioactive compounds, with the inner clear gel of the leaves containing the majority of these compounds. These include phenolic acids (274.5-307.5 mg/100 g), flavonoids. (3.63-4.70 g/kg), polysaccharides (3.82-6.55 g/kg), saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and anthraquinone derivatives. Findings from clinical studies involving both humans and animals highlight the therapeutic potential of AV across diverse health domains. The studies demonstrate AV's efficacy in reducing blood glucose levels, exhibiting antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, protecting the liver from damage, and displaying antimicrobial properties. In the fields of dermatology and dentistry, AV has also been observed to promote skin and oral health. However, it is imperative to acknowledge potential risks, adhere to recommended dosages, and seek guidance from healthcare experts before employing AV as a natural therapeutic option. Moreover, considering safety concerns, further well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to substantiate the potential benefits of AV and comprehensively assess any associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhdeep Kaur
- Department of Food & Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Kiran Bains
- Department of Food & Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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Worku KM, Asfaw BG, Mamo DN, Haile Y, Tesfa H, Aemero M. Medicinal plants with promising antileishmanial activity in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38480. [PMID: 39259058 PMCID: PMC11142835 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxicity and resistance to chemotherapy used to treat leishmaniasis are increasing. Research on natural plant compounds has revealed their antileishmanial effects on certain Leishmania organisms. This review aimed to estimate the pooled IC50 values of medicinal plants with promising antileishmanial activity in Ethiopia. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using Science Direct, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to locate potential studies. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals and gray literature in university repositories before April 1, 2022, which included a full-length study reporting the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ethiopian medicinal plants that were written in English were included. Conference proceedings, review articles, letters to the editor, and correspondence were excluded. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the GIVIMP critical appraisal tools. Heterogeneity between studies was verified using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics, and the effects were checked using Egger statistical test at a level of significance. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled IC50 of the medicinal plants. RESULTS Six articles that were conducted in Ethiopia that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with a total of 62 in vitro experiments, were reviewed. The aggregated mean IC50 for medicinal plants in Ethiopia was 16.80 (95% CI: 12.44, 21.16) and 13.81 (95% CI: 13.12, 14.50) µg/mL for antipromastigote and antiamastigote activity, respectively. Aqueous was the significant preparation with IC50 of 0.53 (0.34, 0.73) µg/mL against promastigote and 0.98 (0.20, 1.76) µg/mL against the amastigote stage. DISCUSSION This review indicated that the pooled mean of IC50 for Ethiopian medicinal plants against promastigotes and amastigotes was relatively low and showed better efficacy. This strongly suggests the need to focus on antipromastigote and antiamastigote medicinal plants in Ethiopia for the development of antileishmanial drugs. It is necessary to identify their active components, and their potential toxic effects can lead to the production of well-tolerated and safe drugs for leishmaniasis. The high heterogeneity is the limitation of this study. REGISTRATION The review has been registered at Prospero with identification number CRD42022343543.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassahun Misgana Worku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Birhanu Genanew Asfaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Niguse Mamo
- Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Yosef Haile
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Habtie Tesfa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Aemero
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Gebremariam A, Gebrezgabher BG, Desta KT, Sbhatu DB, Berhe GG, Abdirkadir M, Tsegay E. Aloe adigratana Reynolds: Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Proximate Content, Essential Oil Analysis, and In Vitro Antifungal Activity Studies of Its Leaf Peels and Gel. J Exp Pharmacol 2023; 15:321-332. [PMID: 37664179 PMCID: PMC10473414 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s420990] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aloe species are among the most significant plants with several applications. Many of the species, however, are underexplored, owing to their scarcity and limited geographical distribution. A. adigratana Reynolds, which is common in Ethiopia, is one of the little-studied and endangered Aloe species. Objective This preliminary study focuses on the phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, essential oil content, and antifungal activities of A. adigratana leaf peels. Antifungal activities were also tested on the gels of the plant for comparison. Methods Standard procedures were used for phytochemical and proximate composition studies. Essential oil analysis was performed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry instrument. Using the well-diffusion method, investigations on antifungal activity were performed on three clinically isolated specimens of dandruff-causing fungus; namely, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia globosa. Results The leaf peels of A. adigratana contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes. The mean moisture, ash, and crude fat levels were 85.69, 92.20, and 8.00%, respectively, whereas the mean total protein and mean total carbohydrate values were 2.59 and 3.04%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry investigation confirmed the presence of fifteen essential oils. The most prevalent essential oil component was discovered to be phytol (33.78%), followed by decane (11.29%). In a dose-dependent way, the leaf latex and gel extracts prevented the growth of three dandruff-causing Malassezia fungal species (M. furfur, M. restricta, and M. globosa). Both the latex and gel demonstrated the maximum activity on M. globosa, the most prevalent fungus in the research area, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.24 and 0.48 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentrations of 0.48 and 0.97 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion In general, the proximate and essential oil compositions of A. adigratana leaves were comparable to those of other Aloe species widely used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, implying that A. adigratana could be a potential future plant for such industries.
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Evidence for Natural Products as Alternative Wound-Healing Therapies. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030444. [PMID: 36979379 PMCID: PMC10046143 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic, non-healing wounds represent a significant area of unmet medical need and are a growing problem for healthcare systems around the world. They affect the quality of life for patients and are an economic burden, being difficult and time consuming to treat. They are an escalating problem across the developed world due to the increasing incidence of diabetes and the higher prevalence of ageing populations. Effective treatment options are currently lacking, and in some cases chronic wounds can persist for years. Some traditional medicines are believed to contain bioactive small molecules that induce the healing of chronic wounds by reducing excessive inflammation, thereby allowing re-epithelisation to occur. Furthermore, many small molecules found in plants are known to have antibacterial properties and, although they lack the therapeutic selectivity of antibiotics, they are certainly capable of acting as topical antiseptics when applied to infected wounds. As these molecules act through mechanisms of action distinct from those of clinically used antibiotics, they are often active against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Although there are numerous studies highlighting the effects of naturally occurring small molecules in wound-healing assays in vitro, only evidence from well conducted clinical trials can allow these molecules or the remedies that contain them to progress to the clinic. With this in mind, we review wound-healing natural remedies that have entered clinical trials over a twenty-year period to the present. We examine the bioactive small molecules likely to be in involved and, where possible, their mechanisms of action.
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Ahluwalia B, Magnusson MK, Larsson F, Savolainen O, Ross AB, Öhman L. Differences in Metabolite Composition of Aloe barbadensis Mill. Extracts Lead to Differential Effects on Human Blood T Cell Activity In Vitro. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196643. [PMID: 36235182 PMCID: PMC9571688 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe) is used for diverse therapeutic properties including immunomodulation. However, owing to the compositionally complex nature of Aloe, bioactive component(s) responsible for its beneficial properties, though thought to be attributed to polysaccharides (acemannan), remain unknown. We therefore aimed to determine the metabolite composition of various commercial Aloe extracts and assess their effects on human blood T cell activity in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were stimulated polyclonally in presence or absence of various Aloe extracts. T cell phenotype and proliferation were investigated by flow cytometry. Aloe extracts were analyzed using targeted 1H-NMR spectroscopy for standard phytochemical quality characterization and untargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolite profiling. Aloe extracts differing in their standard phytochemical composition had varying effects on T cell activation, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell-death in vitro, although this was not related to the acemannan content. Furthermore, each Aloe extract had its own distinct metabolite profile, where extracts rich in diverse sugar and sugar-derivatives were associated with reduced T cell activity. Our results demonstrate that all commercial Aloe extracts are unique with distinct metabolite profiles, which lead to differential effects on T cell activity in vitro, independent of the acemannan content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bani Ahluwalia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Research and Development, Calmino Group AB, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria K. Magnusson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Larsson
- Research and Development, Calmino Group AB, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Otto Savolainen
- Chalmers Mass Spectrometry Infrastructure, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alastair B. Ross
- Chalmers Mass Spectrometry Infrastructure, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Proteins and Metabolites Team, AgResearch, Lincoln 7674, New Zealand
| | - Lena Öhman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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López Z, Salazar Zúñiga MN, Femenia A, Acevedo-Hernández GJ, Godínez Flores JA, Cano ME, Knauth P. Dry but Not Humid Thermal Processing of Aloe vera Gel Promotes Cytotoxicity on Human Intestinal Cells HT-29. Foods 2022; 11:foods11050745. [PMID: 35267378 PMCID: PMC8909460 DOI: 10.3390/foods11050745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aloe vera products, both in food and cosmetics, are becoming increasingly popular due to their claimed beneficial effects, which are mainly attributed to the active compound acemannan. Usually, these end products are based on powdered starting materials. High temperatures during the drying process to obtain the starting materials have several advantages, like shortening the drying time, eliminating toxic aloin and reducing bacterial contamination. Nevertheless, there are two major drawbacks: first, at temperatures of 80 °C or higher, structural changes in acemannan, especially its deacetylation (>46%), are triggered, which does not happen at lower temperatures (14% at 60 °C); secondly, a toxic principle is formed at higher temperatures, resulting in a higher cytotoxicity. Thus, two temperature-dependent but opposing effects cause with a median cytotoxic concentration of CC50 = 0.4× a peak of cytotoxicity at 80 °C; at 60 °C this cytotoxic substance is not formed and at 100 °C aloin is more readily eliminated, resulting in a CC50 = 1.1× and CC50 = 1.4×, respectively. The cytotoxic substance generated by dry heat at 80 °C is not a modified polysaccharide because its polysaccharide-enriched alcohol-insoluble fraction is with CC50 = 0.9× less cytotoxic. Moreover, this substance is polar enough to be washed away with ethanol. Additionally, when Aloe gel is heated at 80 °C under humid conditions (pasteurization), the cytotoxicity does not increase (CC50 = 1.6×). Finally, to produce powdered starting materials from Aloe gel, it is recommended to use temperatures of around 60 °C in order to preserve the acemannan structure (and thus biological activity) and the low cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira López
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y de la Vida, Centro Universitario de la Ciénega (CUCI), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG), Avenida Universidad 1115, Ocotlan 47810, Jalisco, Mexico; (Z.L.); (M.N.S.Z.); (J.A.G.F.)
| | - Michelle N. Salazar Zúñiga
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y de la Vida, Centro Universitario de la Ciénega (CUCI), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG), Avenida Universidad 1115, Ocotlan 47810, Jalisco, Mexico; (Z.L.); (M.N.S.Z.); (J.A.G.F.)
| | - Antoni Femenia
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain;
| | - Gustavo J. Acevedo-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y de la Vida, Centro Universitario de la Ciénega (CUCI), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG), Avenida Universidad 1115, Ocotlan 47810, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Jaime A. Godínez Flores
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y de la Vida, Centro Universitario de la Ciénega (CUCI), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG), Avenida Universidad 1115, Ocotlan 47810, Jalisco, Mexico; (Z.L.); (M.N.S.Z.); (J.A.G.F.)
| | - M. Eduardo Cano
- Laboratorio de Biofísica, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Centro Universitario de la Ciénega (CUCI), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG), Avenida Universidad 1115, Ocotlan 47810, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Peter Knauth
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y de la Vida, Centro Universitario de la Ciénega (CUCI), Universidad de Guadalajara (UdG), Avenida Universidad 1115, Ocotlan 47810, Jalisco, Mexico; (Z.L.); (M.N.S.Z.); (J.A.G.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-(392)-9259400-48354
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Jangra A, Sharma G, Sihag S, Chhokar V. The dark side of miracle plant-Aloe vera: a review. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:5029-5040. [PMID: 35092563 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), commonly known as Ghritkumari/Gwarpatha, is a member of the Liliaceae family, used in the traditional medicine system for ages. Aloe vera has made its importance as a therapeutic agent, acting as a cure for various diseases such as skin problems, lungs, and heart disorders, diabetes, ulcers, various microbial infections, and asthma. Despite its tremendous health benefits, the dark side of the plant is a reason of concern as there are several active compounds present in the plant, raising questions on its safe oral consumption and application. METHODS AND RESULTS The literature review was compiled from information resourced from various national and international journals available at Google Scholar and curated with Mendeley. The data mining was carried out during the period of January to May 2021. This study explored and summarized the dark side of Aloe vera, subjected to various secondary metabolites present in it. Aloin, the most active compound of Aloe vera, is a type of anthraquinone metabolized by human gut microflora, resulting in the formation of aloe-emodin anthraquinone, later being associated with several harmful effects such as carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and purgative. Besides this, several alkaloids and polysaccharides present in the plant are reported to cause hepatotoxicity and male infertility, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The harmful effects of the plants are not adequately discovered yet; hence there is a need to come up with some mechanism to understand and suppress the formation of such toxic compounds completely. This review examined the botany, active compounds, and adverse clinical effects in the range of metabolites associated with this herb - "Aloe vera".
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Jangra
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Garima Sharma
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Sonia Sihag
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Vinod Chhokar
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India.
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Hayes AW, Clemens RA, Pressman P. The absence of genotoxicity of a mixture of aloin A and B and a commercial aloe gel beverage. Toxicol Mech Methods 2022; 32:385-394. [PMID: 34979868 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2021.2023828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Aloe products are increasingly valued as ingredients in food supplements and as flavoring agents. The global Aloe vera market is varied, large, growing, and increasingly important in food, cosmetics, and medicines. Aloin, an anthraquinone glycoside, is one of the major components by weight of the anthraquinone derivatives of Aloe vera gel. Principal metabolites, aloe emodin and emodin, are a source of debate concerning toxic vs salutary effects, hence the accurate toxicological characterization of these compounds has become increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to determine the genotoxic profile of a stabilized Aloe vera juice product derived from the inner filet and marketed as a beverage currently sold in the European Union containing 8 to 10 ppm aloin and a mixture of purified aloin A and B. The present data confirm that a commercial stabilized Aloe vera gel intended for consumption as a juice beverage is not genotoxic. Furthermore, both aloin A and B were negative in the same assays and therefore are also not genotoxic. These results are consistent with the work of other groups and contrast with data obtained using products containing the Aloe vera latex hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs).
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wallace Hayes
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- School of Pharmacy, International Center for Regulatory and Quality Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter Pressman
- Saba University School of Medicine, Caribbean Netherlands
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Ji Y, Lv J, Sun D, Huang Y. Therapeutic strategies targeting Wnt/β‑catenin signaling for colorectal cancer (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:1. [PMID: 34713301 PMCID: PMC8589460 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common carcinomas. Although great progress has been made in recent years, CRC survival remains unsatisfactory due to high metastasis and recurrence. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis has become increasingly important. Recently, aberrant Wnt/β‑catenin signaling has been reported to be strongly associated with CRC tumorigenesis, metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway has potential value as a therapeutic target for CRC. In the present review, the dysregulation of this pathway in CRC and the promoting or suppressing function of therapeutic targets on CRC were explored. In addition, the interaction between this pathway and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell stemness, mutations, metastasis‑related genes and tumor angiogenesis in CRC cells were also investigated. Numerous studies on this pathway may help identify the potential diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu 214500, P.R. China
| | - Jian Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu 214500, P.R. China
| | - Di Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu 214500, P.R. China
| | - Yufeng Huang
- Department of Oncology, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu 214500, P.R. China
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Xie J, Wu J, Yang S, Zhou H. Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Mechanism of Aloe Vera for Treating Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:6077698. [PMID: 34899953 PMCID: PMC8654547 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6077698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aloe vera has long been considered an anticancer herb in different parts of the world. OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of aloe vera in the treatment of cancer using network pharmacology and molecule docking approaches. METHODS The active ingredients and corresponding protein targets of aloe vera were identified from the TCMSP database. Targets related to cancer were obtained from GeneCards and OMIM databases. The anticancer targets of aloe vera were obtained by intersecting the drug targets with the disease targets, and the process was presented in the form of a Venn plot. These targets were uploaded to the String database for protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and the result was visualized by Cytoscape software. Go and KEGG enrichment were used to analyze the biological process of the target proteins. Molecular docking was used to verify the relationship between the active ingredients of aloe vera and predicted targets. RESULTS By screening and analyzing, 8 active ingredients and 174 anticancer targets of aloe vera were obtained. The active ingredient-anticancer target network constructed by Cytoscape software indicated that quercetin, arachidonic acid, aloe-emodin, and beta-carotene, which have more than 4 gene targets, may play crucial roles. In the PPI network, AKT1, TP53, and VEGFA have the top 3 highest values. The anticancer targets of aloe vera were mainly involved in pathways in cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer and the TNF signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking suggested that the binding ability between TP53 and quercetin was the strongest. CONCLUSION This study revealed the active ingredients of aloe vera and the potential mechanism underlying its anticancer effect based on network pharmacology and provided ideas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Sihui Yang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Huaijun Zhou
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210000, China
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Galli CL, Cinelli S, Ciliutti P, Melzi G, Marinovich M. Lack of in vivo genotoxic effect of dried whole Aloe ferox juice. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1471-1474. [PMID: 34401356 PMCID: PMC8353378 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dried Aloe juice hazard identification. Dried Aloe juice is not genotoxic in in vivo Comet rodent assay. Dried Aloe juice is safe in food supplements and herbal medicinal products.
Aloe ferox Mill is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of a broad spectrum of illnesses given its laxative, anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties. Using the in vivo alkaline comet assay in animals (OECD 489), this study investigated the potential in vivo genotoxicity of dried Aloe ferox juice at dose levels of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day in mice. Aloe ferox showed no genotoxic activity in preparations of single cells from the colon of the treated Hsd:ICR (CD-1) male mice. No statistically significant increase in DNA migration over the negative control was observed by analysis of variance for both comet parameters, tail moment and tail intensity, apart from the positive control ethyl methanesulphonate that induced clear and statistically significant increases in DNA migration parameters over the concurrent controls. The new reported scientific evidence unequivocally demonstrates that dried Aloe ferox juice containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives does not induce DNA damage in preparations of single cells from colon in in vivo comet genotoxicity studies. This suggests that the hyperplastic changes and mucosal hyperplasia observed after long-term administration of Aloe vera non-decolourised whole leaf extract may be attributed to an epigenetic effect of the material under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado L Galli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB) Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Cinelli
- European Research Biology Center, ERBC, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Ciliutti
- European Research Biology Center, ERBC, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Melzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB) Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB) Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Galli CL, Cinelli S, Ciliutti P, Melzi G, Marinovich M. Aloe-emodin, a hydroxyanthracene derivative, is not genotoxic in an in vivo comet test. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 124:104967. [PMID: 34062205 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Aloe-emodin, one of the molecules belonging to the group of hydroxyanthracene derivatives, was recently described as genotoxic in vivo. Indeed, the EFSA judged that aloe-emodin, together with other similar molecules (emodin and danthron) and extracts from the leaf of Aloe species containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives, could represent a risk factor for colorectal cancer mediated by a genotoxic effect. Given the marked uncertainty regarding the conclusions in the opinion of the EFSA ANS Panel and conflicts in the epidemiological data on which the opinion is based, a new in vivo study (in vivo alkaline comet assay in mice - OECD 489) was conducted to test the potential genotoxicity of aloe-emodin at doses of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw/day on preparations of single cells from the kidney and colon of treated male mice. Following treatment with the test item, no clinical signs were observed in animals in any treatment group. Slight body-weight loss was randomly observed in all groups treated with the test item and was more evident in the groups dosed at 1000 and 2000 mg/kg bw/day. Under these experimental conditions, aloe-emodin showed no genotoxic activity. Possible oxidative damage to colon tissues could not be excluded based on the results obtained after repair enzyme treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado L Galli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DISFeB), Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Serena Cinelli
- European Research Biology Center ERBC, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Ciliutti
- European Research Biology Center ERBC, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Melzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DISFeB), Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DISFeB), Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Ibrahim R, Nyska A, Dunnick J, Ramot Y. The toxicologic pathology aspects of selected natural herbal products and related compounds. J Toxicol Pathol 2021; 34:181-211. [PMID: 34290474 PMCID: PMC8280299 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2021-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal products have been in use for many years, but they are becoming more and more
popular in recent years, and they are currently in widespread use throughout the world. In
this review article we describe the histopathologic findings found after exposure to 12
dietary herbals in studies conducted in rodent model systems. Clear or some evidence for
carcinogenic activity was seen with 6 herbals, with the liver being the most common organ
affected. The intestine was affected by two herbals (aloe vera nondecolorized extract and
senna), three had no clear evidence for carcinogenic activity and one was cardiotoxic
(Ephedrine and Ephedra in combination with caffeine). Information from these studies can
help to better understand potential target organs for further evaluation from exposure to
various herbal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruba Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Dermatology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abraham Nyska
- Consultant in Toxicologic Pathology, Yehuda HaMaccabi 31, floor 5, Tel Aviv 6200515, Israel.,Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - June Dunnick
- Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Yuval Ramot
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Dermatology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Čoklo M, Maslov DR, Kraljević Pavelić S. Modulation of gut microbiota in healthy rats after exposure to nutritional supplements. Gut Microbes 2020; 12:1-28. [PMID: 32845788 PMCID: PMC7524141 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1779002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rats are experimental animals, frequently used as model organisms in the biomedical studies, and increasingly used to study the gut microbiota. Specifically, the aim of latter studies is either the elucidation of relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and diseases or the determination of nutrients or pharmaceutical agents which can cause the modulation in the presence or abundance of gut microbiota. AIM Herein, the research studies conducted on the gut microbiota of healthy rats are presented in a summarized and concise overview. The focus is on studies aimed to reveal the shifts in microbial composition and functional changes after exposure to various types of nutritional supplements. METHODS We performed the search of PubMed database using the term "rat gut microbiome microbiota" and examined studies aimed to assess the composition of gut microbiota in physiological homeostasis as well as the effect of various nutritional supplements on the gut microbiota of healthy rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Čoklo
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for High-throughput Technologies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dina Rešetar Maslov
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for High-throughput Technologies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre for High-throughput Technologies, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Peng C, Zhang W, Shen X, Yuan Y, Li Y, Zhang W, Yao M. Post-transcriptional regulation activity through alternative splicing involved in the effects of Aloe vera on the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways in colorectal cancer cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 143:148-155. [PMID: 32268968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is widely used as laxative drugs, cosmetics, and functional food due to a variety of therapeutic effects. However, several studies indicated a colonic carcinogenic activity of Aloe vera. But the underline mechanism has not been well clarified. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism at the post-transcriptional level. Identification of Differential Expressed Alternative Splicing (DEAS) genes and events and the corresponding functional enrichment analyses were conducted on RKO cells after treated with Aloe vera aqueous extract and its two active components, aloin and aloesin. And RT-qPCR was conducted for validation. Results indicated that they induced 2200, 2342 and 2133 DEAS events, respectively. The GO enrichment and the COG classification results of DEAS genes showed that they were associated with transcription, as well as functions like signal transduction mechanisms. Moreover, DEAS genes related to the two colorectal cancerous pathways, Wnt and Notch pathways, were annotated. In conclusion, aloe extract, aloin and aloesin significantly regulated the DEAS profile of RKO cells. The colonic carcinogenicity of Aloe vera may due to its post-transcriptional regulatory activity through Alternative Splicing (AS) on genes, especially on Wnt-related and Notch-related key genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - WeiJia Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Xue Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - YueMei Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - MeiCun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Wang Q, Wu ZL, Yuan X, Dong HY, Xu X, Xin H, Wang YH, Zhang JB, Chen L, Li HL, Zhang XM, Zhang WD. Bilobetin induces kidney injury by influencing cGMP-mediated AQP-2 trafficking and podocyte cell cycle arrest. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 64:153073. [PMID: 31542661 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ginkgo biloba (Gb) extracts have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine. Gb contains flavonoids, which are considered to be its active ingredients and have been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, few scientific research studies on the side effects of flavonoid in Gb have been reported. PURPOSE The present study aimed to investigate the effect of bilobetin on the kidney of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. STUDY DESIGN AND RESULT In this study, rats were injected with 50 mg/kg of bilobetin, a biflavone isolated from Gb, for 7 days and aristolochic acid was used as positive controls. The results showed that the body weight and urine output of the rats were dramatically decreased, and urinary protein increased after the intraperitoneal injection of bilobetin compared with the control group. Bilobetin treatment showed vacuolar degeneration in the renal tubular epithelium, glomerular atrophy by histostaining, and podocyte fusion by electron microscopy. This study further showed that bilobetin promoted the trafficking of aquaporin 2 (AQP-2) onto the plasma membrane to achieve the function of urine concentration by in vivo study in rats and in vitro study in IMCD-3 cells. The redistribution of AQP-2 is due to increased expression of cGMP in IMCD-3 cells, which in turn promoted the phosphorylation of AQP-2 at site Ser-256. The proteinuria caused by bilobetin may be attributed to podocyte cell cycle arrest at G2/M transition, which is may associated with AKT and MAPK signaling. CONCLUSIONS The current study showed that bilobetin has some side effects on kidneys at a dose of 50 mg/kg in SD rats and provides insight into the potential detrimental effects of monomeric ingredients in Gb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Research Complex, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Zhi Li Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xing Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Yuan Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research Complex, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong Xin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yin Hang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jian Bing Zhang
- WanBangDe Pharmaceutical Group Co.,Ltd. Wenlin, Zhejiang 317500, China
| | - Li Chen
- WanBangDe Pharmaceutical Group Co.,Ltd. Wenlin, Zhejiang 317500, China
| | - Hui Liang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xue Mei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Wei Dong Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Research Complex, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Peng C, Zhang W, Dai C, Li W, Shen X, Yuan Y, Yan L, Zhang W, Yao M. Study of the aqueous extract of Aloe vera and its two active components on the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways in colorectal cancer cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 243:112092. [PMID: 31319122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (Aloe vera) is a common Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recorded in Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (version 2015). It has been traditionally used for treatment of constipation. Aloe vera requires much attention for its safety evaluation because several studies have reported the association between oral consumption of Aloe vera and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However the material basis and molecular mechanism are.still less well elucidated. Although Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathway have been known to be closely related to the initiation and development of CRC, the impacts of Aloe vera on these cancerous pathways have not been completely determined yet. AIM OF THIS STUDY Hence, this study aimed to study the impacts of Aloe vera on the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathway, as well as proliferation of CRC cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the effects of Aloe vera aqueous extract and its two active components (aloin and aloesin) on the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathway were studied by luciferase reporter, RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence assays, respectively. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) was then performed to verify their regulatory activities on the Wnt-related and Notch-related genes expression. Finally, their impacts on RKO cell proliferation and cell cycle phase were also evaluated via MTT assay and cell cycle analysis. RESULTS Our results indicate that the aqueous extract of Aloe vera and its active component aloin activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibited the Notch signaling pathway only in the presence of Wnt3a. While aloesin was characterized to directly activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibit the Notch pathway independent of Wnt3a. Within 24h, the Aloe vera extract and its two components were failed to affect the proliferation or cell cycle phase of RKO cells. Nevertheless, in the presence of Wnt3a, the aqueous extract of Aloe vera with the concentration of 33.3 μg/ml start to promote the cell proliferation of RKO cells after 48h incubation. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study showed that Aloe vera extract and its active component aloin activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibited the Notch pathway in the presence of Wnt3a. While another active component, aloesin, activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibited the Notch signaling pathway independent of Wnt3a. Given that Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathway are closely associated with the progression of CRC, these findings would be helpful to better understand the colonic carcinogenicity of Aloe vera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - WeiJia Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Cong Dai
- Guangdong Institute for Drug Control, 766 Shenzhen Road, Huangpu District, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wa Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Xue Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - YueMei Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| | - Li Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China.
| | - MeiCun Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Lead bioactive compounds of Aloe vera as potential anticancer agent. Pharmacol Res 2019; 148:104416. [PMID: 31470079 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a perennial succulent medicinal plant. It has been used as a traditional or folk medicine for thousands of years and claimed that it possesses wound and burn healing activities, and anti-inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory effects. In recent years, the use of Aloe vera has been growing as a dietary supplement. The pre-clinical studies over the last couple of decades uncover the potential therapeutic activities of Aloe vera and its bioactive compounds, especially against neoplastic disease. Such investigations indicate the possible preventive as well as therapeutic effects of Aloe vera against cancer. Here, we discuss the crucial bioactive compounds of Aloe vera that have been harnessed against cancer and also address several mechanisms of action of these lead bioactive compounds compared to other standard drugs involved in cancer prevention and treatment.
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20
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Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, and Protein Kinase Inhibition Potential in Aloe vera L. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6478187. [PMID: 31467904 PMCID: PMC6699339 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6478187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aloe vera is a multifunctional plant that has gained acceptance as an excellent home remedy source in Asia and the world. The present study was intended to evaluate the phytochemical contents and in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and protein kinase inhibition activities in different fractions of A. vera leaf. Methanolic extract of A. vera leaves was fractionated using column chromatography and ten fractions (AV1-AV10) were obtained. Phenolics composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and protein kinase inhibition activities were evaluated using standard protocols. Well-known compounds of A. vera were used for in silico study against enzymes involved in brine shrimp and antileishmanial and hyphae formation inhibition assay on the basis of results. Five fractions (AV3 to AV7) possess potential total phenolics and flavonoids contents along with significant biological activities. AV4 fraction exhibited the highest total phenolics content 332.4 ± 32.6μg GAE/mg and total antioxidant activity 150.4 ± 25.815μg AAE/mg determined by phosphomolybdenum complex assay. Fraction AV6 showed 95% antileishmanial effect as well as the lowest LD50 value of 0.5305μg/mL in brine shrimp lethality assay. The Protein Kinase inhibition potential in A. vera leaves was determined for the first time and three fractions AV1, AV6, and AV7 depicted activity with the highest zone of inhibition up to 21±0.5mm (AV7). Docking analysis showed that A. vera contains anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones, and polysaccharides responsible for synergistic cytotoxic, antileishmanial, antibacterial, and antioxidant potential of this plant. Therefore, with more studies, A. vera could probably have the potential to be used for drug development against leishmaniasis.
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Gokulan K, Kolluru P, Cerniglia CE, Khare S. Dose-Dependent Effects of Aloin on the Intestinal Bacterial Community Structure, Short Chain Fatty Acids Metabolism and Intestinal Epithelial Cell Permeability. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:474. [PMID: 30972034 PMCID: PMC6443721 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aloe leaf or purified aloin products possess numerous therapeutic and pharmaceutical properties. It is widely used as ingredients in a variety of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Animal studies have shown that consumption of aloe or purified aloin cause intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia, and malignancy. Here, we tested antibacterial effects of aloin, against intestinal commensal microbiota. Minimum inhibitory concentration of aloin for several human commensal bacterial species (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) ranged from 1 to 4 mg/ml. Metabolism studies indicated that Enterococcus faecium was capable of degrading aloin into aloe-emodin at a slower-rate compared to Eubacterium spp. As a proof of concept, we incubated 3% rat fecal-slurry (an in vitro model to simulate human colon content) with 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/ml of aloin to test antimicrobial properties. Low aloin concentrations showed minor perturbations to intestinal bacteria, whereas high concentration increased Lactobacillus sp. counts. Aloin also decreased butyrate-production in fecal microbiota in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h exposure. The 16S rRNA sequence-data revealed that aloin decreases the abundance of butyrate-producing bacterial species. Transepithelial resistant result revealed that aloin alters the intestinal barrier-function at higher concentrations (500 μM). In conclusion, aloin exhibits antibacterial property for certain commensal bacteria and decreases butyrate-production in a dose -dependent manner. HIGHLIGHTS –Aloin exhibits antibacterial properties for certain intestinal commensal bacteria. –In rat fecal slurry (an in vitro model to simulate human colon content), longer aloin exposure (24 h) decreases the butyrate production in dose dependent manner. –The 16s rRNA sequencing data show that aloin decreased the abundance of butyrate producing bacterial species. –Rat intestinal commensal bacteria metabolized aloin into aloe-emodin. –Aloin altered the intestinal epithelial cells barrier integrity, however, the metabolic product of aloin - Aloe-emodin did not alter epithelial cells permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuppan Gokulan
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Pranav Kolluru
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Carl E Cerniglia
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Sangeeta Khare
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, United States Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
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In Vitro Immunomodulatory Effect of Food Supplement from Aloe vera. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:5961742. [PMID: 30941196 PMCID: PMC6420980 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5961742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Food industries typically use Aloe vera as concentrated (100× to 200×) and dried powders in their final products. These powders are obtained by extrusion of Aloe inner leaf gel (ILG) or Aloe whole leaf (WLP); the juice is filtered through diatomaceous earth and activated carbon before spray drying at temperatures below 70 °C. In another process, Aloe inner leaf gel was dried at ~80 °C and mashed to a powder rich in high molecular weight fibres and soluble polysaccharides (ILF). In contrast to ILG and WLP, the ILF sample was cytotoxic for the human intestinal cell line Caco-2 (CC50 = 1 g/l), even at concentrations below the recommended dose for human consumption. At lower concentrations (250 mg/l) with LPS challenged macrophage-like THP-1 cells decreased by 40% the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, whereas the release of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β increased by 35% (compared to untreated but challenged macrophage-like THP-1 cells). Unexpectedly, under the same conditions, the less cytotoxic ILG and WLP, both samples with a lower fibre content, significantly increased (up to 2.4 times) the release of IL-10, while the concentration of IL-1β remained unaltered and of TNFα decreased by 35%. Even more interesting is that a treatment of the ILF sample with activated carbon reduced its cytotoxicity and increased the IL-10 release (3.1 times). Based on these results, we suggest applying an activated carbon treatment on Aloe-starting products, which have high fibre content and have received high temperature treatment, in order to reduce their cytotoxicity and improve their immunomodulatory properties.
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Finding the bad actor: Challenges in identifying toxic constituents in botanical dietary supplements. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 124:431-438. [PMID: 30582954 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Botanical-derived dietary supplements have widespread use in the general population. The complex and variable nature of botanical ingredients and reports of adverse responses have led to concern for negative human health impacts following consumption of these products. Toxicity testing of the vast number of available products, formulations, and combinations is not feasible due to the time and resource intensive nature of comprehensive testing. Methods are needed to assess the safety of a large number of products via more efficient frameworks. Identification of toxicologically-active constituents is one approach being used, with many advantages toward product regulation. Bioassay-guided fractionation (BGF) is the leading approach used to identify biologically-active constituents. Most BGF studies with botanicals focus on identifying pharmacologically-active constituents for drug discovery or botanical efficacy research. Here, we explore BGF in a toxicological context, drawing from both efficacy and poisonous plant research. Limitations of BGF, including loss of mixture activity and bias toward abundant constituents, and recent advancements in the field (e.g., biochemometrics) are discussed from a toxicological perspective. Identification of active constituents will allow better monitoring of market products for known toxicologically-active constituents, as well as surveying human exposure, two important steps to ensuring the safety of botanical dietary supplements.
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Rodrigues LLO, de Oliveira ACL, Tabrez S, Shakil S, Khan MI, Asghar MN, Matias BD, Batista JMADS, Rosal MM, de Lima MMDF, Gomes SRF, de Carvalho RM, de Moraes GP, de Alencar MVOB, Islam MT, Melo-Cavalcante AADC. Mutagenic, antioxidant and wound healing properties of Aloe vera. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 227:191-197. [PMID: 30172901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aloe vera is a widely used medicinal plant for its various biological activities. This study evaluate possible mutagenic and healing effects of the aqueous extract of A. vera (AEAV) in mice and its oxidant/antioxidant potential in different proficient and deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS The AEAV was topically treated on the wounded skin surface of male albino mice at doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg for seven successive days. The control group was similarly treated with 0.9% NaCl solution. For oxidative/anti-oxidative evaluation, both proficient and deficient strains of S. cerevisiae [cytoplasmic and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase mutant (SOD: Sod1Δ and Sod2Δ), cytoplasmic catalase mutant (CAT: Cat1Δ)], two double defective mutants of Sod1 and Sod2 and Sod1 and Cat1 genes along with a wild-type strains were used. RESULTS The healing property of AEAV was observed at the dose of 50 mg/kg but at the same dose it showed mutagenic and cytotoxic effects in peripheral blood. AEAV did not produce the oxidizing effect, except in the mutated CAT strain at highest concentration (50 mg/kg). CONCLUSION The high concentration of AEAV showed mutagenicity and cytotoxicity. Beside, the healing capacity is believed to be due to its anti-oxidative defense mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shazi Shakil
- Center of Innovation in Personalized Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Germano Pinho de Moraes
- Postgraduate Program in Cellular Biology Applied to Health (PPGBioSaúde), Lutheran University of Brazil, Canoas, Brazil.
| | | | - Muhammad Torequl Islam
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Salehi B, Albayrak S, Antolak H, Kręgiel D, Pawlikowska E, Sharifi-Rad M, Uprety Y, Tsouh Fokou PV, Yousef Z, Amiruddin Zakaria Z, Varoni EM, Sharopov F, Martins N, Iriti M, Sharifi-Rad J. Aloe Genus Plants: From Farm to Food Applications and Phytopharmacotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2843. [PMID: 30235891 PMCID: PMC6163315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aloe genus plants, distributed in Old World, are widely known and have been used for centuries as topical and oral therapeutic agents due to their health, beauty, medicinal, and skin care properties. Among the well-investigated Aloe species are A. arborescens, A. barbadensis, A. ferox, and A. vera. Today, they account among the most economically important medicinal plants and are commonly used in primary health treatment, where they play a pivotal role in the treatment of various types of diseases via the modulation of biochemical and molecular pathways, besides being a rich source of valuable phytochemicals. In the present review, we summarized the recent advances in botany, phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical uses, food preservation, and the preclinical and clinical efficacy of Aloe plants. These data will be helpful to provide future directions for the industrial and medicinal use of Aloe plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahare Salehi
- Medical Ethics and Law Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 88777539, Iran.
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 22439789, Iran.
| | - Sevil Albayrak
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey.
| | - Hubert Antolak
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Dorota Kręgiel
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Pawlikowska
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Mehdi Sharifi-Rad
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol 61663-335, Iran.
| | - Yadav Uprety
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), Tribhuvan University, P.O. Box 1030 Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou
- Antimicrobial and Biocontrol Agents Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Ngoa Ekelle, Annex Fac. Sci, P.O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
| | - Zubaida Yousef
- Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Jail Road Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia.
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute (iPROMISE), Level 7, FF3 Building, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam 42300, Malaysia.
| | - Elena Maria Varoni
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Milan State University, via Beldiletto 1/3, 20100 Milan, Italy.
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Farukh Sharopov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, Rudaki 139, Dushanbe 734003, Tajikistan.
| | - Natália Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Marcello Iriti
- National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan State University, via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 11369, Iran.
- Department of Chemistry, Richardson College for the Environmental Science Complex, The University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2G3, Canada.
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26
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Chen T, Wang L, Hu C. Treatment-related changes after short-term exposure of SD rats to Aloe vera whole-leaf freeze-dried powder. Int J Exp Pathol 2018; 98:248-259. [PMID: 29280285 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aloe vera is a widely used natural herb from which many sorts of commercial products have been derived using different preparation technologies. Aloe whole-leaf powder is one of the most popular subtypes. The long-term impact of aloe products has already been reported; however, there have been few studies about short-term exposure, and especially about the relative impact of Aloe vera whole-leaf freeze-dried powder (AWFP). To provide more toxicological data and to document the early changes induced by AWFP, in this study 120 SD rats were divided into four groups (control and 400/1200/2000 mg/kg treatment groups) and were administered AWFP once daily by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days, followed by a two week recovery phase. The results showed that AWFP could induce soft/loose changes in faeces. Significantly decreased white blood cell (WBC) counts, associated with reduced lymphocyte counts were also noted. The relative organ weight, including both organ-to-body weight ratio and organ-to-brain weight ratio of kidneys, was significantly increased in 2000 mg/kg compared with that in controls. Histopathologically, pigmentation in the kidneys and increased mucosal thickness in colon were also noted in a dose response groups. Other changes observed in the study were not considered to be treatment related, and 400 mg/kg was considered as the no-observed-adverse-effect level. The study provided clear evidence of treatment-related changes with a short-term exposure to AWFP. This is also the first report of the early colon morphologic changes associated with stool changes noted previously in-life phase, providing additional toxicity data which will contribute to our understanding about the short-term usage of AWFP as a remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Wang
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Hu
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, Chengdu, China
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Boudreau MD, Olson GR, Tryndyak VP, Bryant MS, Felton RP, Beland FA. From the Cover: Aloin, a Component of the Aloe Vera Plant Leaf, Induces Pathological Changes and Modulates the Composition of Microbiota in the Large Intestines of F344/N Male Rats. Toxicol Sci 2018; 158:302-318. [PMID: 28525602 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, the oral administration of an Aloe vera whole leaf extract induced dose-related mucosal and goblet cell hyperplasia in the rat colon after 13 weeks and colon cancer after 2 years. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether or not the administration of aloin, a component of the Aloe vera plant leaf, would replicate the pathophysiological effects that were observed in rats in the previous study with an Aloe vera whole leaf extract. Groups of 10 male F344/N rats were administered aloin at 0, 6.95, 13.9, 27.8, 55.7, 111, 223, and 446 mg/kg drinking water for 13 weeks. At the end of study, rat feces were collected, and the composition of fecal bacteria was investigated by next generation sequencing of the PCR-amplified V3/V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. At necropsy, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and organs and sections of the large intestine were collected for histopathology. Aloin induced dose-related increased incidences and severities of mucosal and goblet cell hyperplasia that extended from the cecum to the rectum, with increased incidences and severities detected at aloin doses ≥55.7 mg/kg drinking water. Analysis of the 16S rRNA metagenomics sequencing data revealed marked shifts in the structure of the gut microbiota in aloin-treated rats at each taxonomic rank. This study highlights the similarities in effects observed for aloin and the Aloe vera whole leaf extract, and points to a potential mechanism of action to explain the observed pathological changes via modulation of the gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greg R Olson
- Toxicologic Pathology Associates, Inc., Jefferson Laboratories, Jefferson, Arkansas
| | | | | | - Robert P Felton
- Division of Informatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas
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Lin Q, Jia Z, Xu X, Xu S, Han T, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Liu H, Li J, Li X. Sub-chronic toxicity study of arecae semen aqueous extract in Wistar rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 215:176-183. [PMID: 28847753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Arecae semen, the ripe seed of Areca catechu L., has been used as vermifuge and digestant in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the potential toxicity effect of arecae semen has not been completely investigated. THE AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was aimed at evaluating the sub-chronic toxicity of arecae semen by oral administration in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 males and 15 females per group). The treated groups were given arecae semen aqueous extract (ASAE) at the dose of 750, 1500 and 4500mg/kg/day by oral administration respectively, and the control group was received distilled water only. The rats and their consumed feed were weighted every 3 days. The clinical changes and mortality were observed and recorded daily. Hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, organ weights, urinalysis and histopathological examination of all rats were tested at the end of the 30-day treatment period and another 10-day recovery period. RESULTS Deaths, weight loss, diarrhea, sluggish action, tremors and body curl up were observed in the 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups during the study. The relative organ weights of liver and testis in male rats of 4500mg/kg group were significantly different compared with the control group at the end of the treatment period. As for laboratory parameters, there were no significant differences at the dose of 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups compared with the control group in the study, except the white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (CHOL). In addition, the results of histopathological examination and feed intake showed no significant difference compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that ASAE at the dose of 750mg/kg/day was safe, but long-term oral administration of ASAE with high dosage was toxic. Moreover, the toxic ingredients of ASAE including arecoline, and also some other compounds should be researched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Lin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Zhe Jia
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Xinfang Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Shuya Xu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Ting Han
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Yan Gao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Huan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 North Third Ring Road, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiangri Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Road, Beijing 100102, China.
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Younes M, Aggett P, Aguilar F, Crebelli R, Filipič M, Frutos MJ, Galtier P, Gott D, Gundert-Remy U, Kuhnle GG, Lambré C, Leblanc JC, Lillegaard IT, Moldeus P, Mortensen A, Oskarsson A, Stankovic I, Waalkens-Berendsen I, Woutersen RA, Andrade RJ, Fortes C, Mosesso P, Restani P, Pizzo F, Smeraldi C, Papaioannou A, Wright M. Safety of hydroxyanthracene derivatives for use in food. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05090. [PMID: 32625659 PMCID: PMC7009633 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of hydroxyanthracene derivatives and to provide advice on a daily intake that does not give rise to concerns about harmful effects to health. Hydroxyanthracene derivatives are a class of chemical substances naturally occurring in different botanical species and used in food to improve bowel function. The ANS Panel reviewed the available scientific data on a possible relationship between hydroxyanthracene derivatives exposure and genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. On the basis of the data currently available, the Panel noted that emodin, aloe-emodin and the structurally related substance danthron have shown evidence of in vitro genotoxicity. Aloe extracts have also been shown to be genotoxic in vitro possibly due to the presence of hydroxyanthracene derivatives in the extract. Furthermore, aloe-emodin was shown to be genotoxic in vivo and the whole-leaf aloe extract and the structural analogue danthron were shown to be carcinogenic. Epidemiological data suggested an increased risk for colorectal cancer associated with the general use of laxatives, several of which contain hydroxyanthracene derivatives. Considering the possible presence of aloe-emodin and emodin in extracts, the Panel concluded that hydroxyanthracene derivatives should be considered as genotoxic and carcinogenic unless there are specific data to the contrary, such as for rhein, and that there is a safety concern for extracts containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives although uncertainty persists. The Panel was unable to provide advice on a daily intake of hydroxyanthracene derivatives that does not give rise to concerns about harmful effects to health.
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Brown AC. Cancer Related to Herbs and Dietary Supplements: Online Table of Case Reports. Part 5 of 5. J Diet Suppl 2017; 15:556-581. [PMID: 28981366 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1355865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A current listing of potentially life-threatening, cancer-related dietary supplements (DSs; includes herbs) based on PubMed case reports was summarized in online tables that can now be updated continually to forewarn United States consumers, clinicians, and DS companies. Documented PubMed case reports were used to create a "Toxic Table" related to cancer (1966 to April 2016, and cross-referencing). Keywords included "herb" or "dietary supplement" combined with "cancer" as well as the specific herb "name" combined with "cancer" and sometimes "toxicity." Excluded were herb combinations (some exceptions), Chinese herb mixtures, teas of mixed herb contents, fungi (mycotoxins from molds and mushrooms), poisonous plants, self-harm, excessive doses (except vitamins/minerals), legal or illegal drugs, drug-herb interactions, and confounders of drugs or diseases related to cancer. Also included were a few foods related to cancer. Over the past 50+ years, PubMed case reports revealed an increased risk of cancer related to approximately one herb (guang fang ji), no dietary supplements (except those containing guang fang ji or aristolochic acid), and two foods (bracken fern, which is sometimes sold as an herbal supplement, and hot maté). This online "Toxic Table" can now be continually updated to assist researchers and clinicians in preventing serious adverse events from DSs related to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Brown
- a Department of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine , University of Hawaii at Manoa , Honolulu , HI , USA
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Dai C, Liu MP, Zhang WJ, Kei Lam CW, Guo JR, Li W, Wu J, Chen JF, Chen ZG, Zhang W, Yao MC. A material-basis study of Aloe vera on the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway using a knockin/knockout method with high-speed countercurrent chromatography. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra06761e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The water extract ofAloe veraat low concentration could activate the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and up-regulated the level of active β-catenin protein in hek293 cells, as well as promoting the expression of wnt target genes.
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Abstract
Currently, food industries use supplements fromAloe veraas highly concentrated powders (starting products), which are added to the final product at a concentration of 1x, meaning 10 g/L for decolourized and spray-dried whole leaf powder (WLP) or 5 g/L for decolourized and spray-dried inner leaf powder (ILG) and also for nondecolourized and belt-dried inner leaf powder (ILF). Flavonoids, tannins, or saponins could not be detected for any starting product at this concentration and their total phenol concentration of 68–112 μM gallate-eq. was much lower than in fresh extract; however, their antioxidant capacity of 90–123 μM ascorbate-eq. for DPPH was similar to the fresh extract. Starting products, dissolved at 1x, had an aloin concentration of 0.04 to 0.07 ppm, a concentration much lower than the industry standard of 10 ppm for foodstuff. While decolourized starting products (i.e., treated with activated carbon) exhibited low cytotoxicity on HeLa cells (CC50= 15 g/L ILG or 50 g/L WLP), ILF at CC50= 1–5 g/L exhibited cytotoxic effects, that is, at concentrations even below the recommended for human consumption. Probable causes for the cytotoxicity of ILF are the exposure to high temperatures (70–85°C) combined with a high fibre content.
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Guo X, Mei N. Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2016; 34:77-96. [PMID: 26986231 PMCID: PMC6349368 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The Aloe plant is employed as a dietary supplement in a variety of foods and as an ingredient in cosmetic products. The widespread human exposure and its potential toxic and carcinogenic activities raise safety concerns. Chemical analysis reveals that the Aloe plant contains various polysaccharides and phenolic chemicals, notably anthraquinones. Ingestion of Aloe preparations is associated with diarrhea, hypokalemia, pseudomelanosis coli, kidney failure, as well as phototoxicity and hypersensitive reactions. Recently, Aloe vera whole leaf extract showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in rats, and was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B). This review presents updated information on the toxicological effects, including the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and adverse clinical effects of Aloe vera whole leaf extract, gel, and latex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Guo
- a Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research , Jefferson , Arkansas , USA
| | - Nan Mei
- a Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research , Jefferson , Arkansas , USA
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Koul A, Bala S, Arora N. Aloe vera affects changes induced in pulmonary tissue of mice caused by cigarette smoke inhalation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2015; 30:999-1013. [PMID: 24615921 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine the influence of Aloe vera (AV) on changes induced in pulmonary tissue of cigarette smoke (CS) inhaling mice. CS inhalation for 4 weeks caused pulmonary damage as evident by histoarchitectural alterations and enhanced serum and tissue lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. CS inhalation also led to increased mucin production as revealed by mucicarmine and Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Studies on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (balf) of CS exposed animals revealed structural changes in phospholipids and increase in surface tension when compared with control counterparts. These changes were accompanied by enhanced nitric oxide (NO) levels, citrulline levels, peroxidative damage, and differential modulation of antioxidant defense system. AV administration (seven weeks, 500 mg/kg b.w. daily) to CS inhaling mice led to modulation of CS induced pulmonary changes as revealed by lesser degree of histoarchitectural alterations, lesser mucin production, decreased NO levels, citrulline levels, peroxidative damage, and serum LDH activity. AV treatment to CS inhaling mice was associated with varying response to antioxidant defense system, however balf of CS + AV treated animals did not exhibit appreciable changes when compared with that of CS exposed animals. These observations suggest that AV has the potential to modulate CS induced changes in the pulmonary tissue which could have implications in management of CS associated pulmonary diseases, however, further investigations are required to explore its complete mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Koul
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Shashi Bala
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Neha Arora
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
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Akinrinde AS, Olowu E, Oyagbemi AA, Omobowale OT. Gastrointestinal protective efficacy of Kolaviron (a bi-flavonoid from Garcinia kola) following a single administration of sodium arsenite in rats: Biochemical and histopathological studies. Pharmacognosy Res 2015; 7:268-76. [PMID: 26130939 PMCID: PMC4471654 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.157978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Arsenic intoxication is known to produce symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting, which are indications of gastrointestinal dysfunction. Objective: We investigated whether Kolaviron (KV) administration protected against sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced damage to gastric and intestinal epithelium in rats. Materials and Methods: Control rats (Group I) were given a daily oral dose of corn oil. Rats in other groups were given a single dose of NaAsO2 (100 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) alone (Group II) or after pretreatment for 7 days with KV at 100 mg/kg (Group III) and 200 mg/kg (Group IV). Rats were sacrificed afterward and portions of the stomach, small intestine and colon were processed for histopathological examination. Hydrogen peroxide, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured in the remaining portions of the different gastrointestinal tract (GIT) segments. Results: NaAsO2 caused significant increases (P < 0.05) in MDA levels and MPO activity, with significant reductions (P < 0.05) in GST, GPX, CAT and SOD activities in the stomach and intestines. KV significantly reversed the changes (P < 0.05) in a largely dose-dependent manner. The different segments had marked inflammatory cellular infiltration, with hyperplasia of the crypts, which occurred to much lesser degrees with KV administration. Conclusion: The present findings showed that KV might be a potent product for mitigating NaAsO2 toxicity in the GIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinleye S Akinrinde
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Ebunoluwa Olowu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Ademola A Oyagbemi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Olutayo T Omobowale
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Shimpo K, Chihara T, Kaneko T, Beppu H, Wakamatsu K, Shinzato M, Yukitake J, Sonoda S. Inhibitory effects of low-dose aloe-emodin on the development of colorectal tumors in min mice. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:5587-92. [PMID: 25081669 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.14.5587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aloe-emodin (AE), a natural anthraquinone compound, has been reported to exhibit anticancer activity in various cancer cell lines and anti-inflammatory effects in murine macrophages. In the present study, we investigated the cancer chemopreventive effects of AE in an Apc-deficient Min mouse model. In the first experiment, male Min mice were fed a basal diet or diets containing 5 ppm AE and 10 ppm AE for 12 weeks. The dietary administration of 5 ppm AE significantly reduced the number of colorectal tumors. In a second experiment, we investigated the effects of AE on colitis-related colon carcinogenesis in Min mouse treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Female Min mice were administered 1% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days. AE was given to mice in their diet at a dose of 5 or 50 ppm for 5 weeks. Feeding with AE significantly reduced the number of colorectal tumors. When proliferation of cells in normal-appearing colonic mucosa was assessed by monoclonal anti-rat Ki-67 antibody (MIB-5) immunohistochemistry in experiments 1 and 2, the AE treatment significantly decreased the mean MIB-5-labeling index. These results suggest that the dietary administration of low-dose AE may have chemopreventive effects against development of colorectal tumors in Min mice, possibly in part by reducing cell proliferation in colorectal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Shimpo
- Division of Biochemistry, Fujita Memorial Nanakuri Institute, Fujita Health University, Tsu, Japan E-mail :
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Raju J, Roberts J, Chen Q, Aziz SA, Caldwell D, Bird RP, Scoggan KA, Brooks SP. Fermentable Carbohydrates Differentially Affect Colon Tumor Formation in Azoxymethane-Induced Male Fischer 344 Rats. J Nutr 2015; 146:737-744. [PMID: 26962187 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.214833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of fermentation compared with the source or type of the fermentable material in colon tumorigenesis remains an issue in refining the definition of dietary fiber (DF). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the fermentation and source-specific effects of various carbohydrates in a medium-term colon tumorigenesis model. METHODS Six-week-old male Fischer 344 rats were randomly allocated into 6 groups (n = 36/group) to receive either AIN-93G (control) or diets containing fructooligosaccharides, wheat bran (WB), oat bran (OB), polydextrose, or high-amylose maize starch (HAMS), each adjusted to contain a total DF concentration of 7% (wt:wt) and have a fermentability of 3% (wt:wt). After 2 wk, 24 rats/group received 2 subcutaneous doses of azoxymethane (at 15 mg/kg body weight) 1 wk apart while 12 rats/group were injected with a saline vehicle; all rats were maintained on the assigned diets for 24 wk postinjection and then killed. Colon tumor outcomes and pathology together with cecal short-chain fatty acid composition were assessed. RESULTS No tumors were found in saline-injected rats, and all subsequent analyses were restricted to azoxymethane-injected rats. Colon tumor incidence was significantly lower in the polydextrose (21%) and WB (13%) groups than in the control group (63%; P < 0.05) but not different from the fructooligosaccharide (58%), HAMS (46%), and OB (33%) groups. In comparison to the control group (8 proximal/31 total tumors), fermentable materials reduced the number of tumors (P < 0.05) originating in the proximal colon: HAMS (5/15), polydextrose (2/7), OB (2/9), fructooligosaccharides (1/21), and WB (1/3). The mean ± SEM number of tumors/tumor-bearing rats was significantly lower in the WB (1.00 ± 0.00), OB (1.13 ± 0.13), and HAMS (1.36 ± 0.15) groups than in the control group (2.07 ± 0.27; P < 0.02); other groups did not differ. The mean ± SEM tumor burden/diet group was lower in the WB (1.2 ± 0.7 mm2), polydextrose (6.7 ± 3.2 mm2), and OB (7.0 ± 3.0 mm2) groups than in the control (21.4 ± 5.9 mm2) and fructooligosaccharide (22.1 ± 7.1 mm2; P < 0.05) groups but not significantly different from the HAMS group (15.1 ± 6.1 mm2). Total cecal SCFA concentrations did not differ among diet groups (overall mean ± SEM: 81 ± 4 μmol/g wet weight). CONCLUSION The rate and extent of fermentation of the carbohydrate material as well as the characteristics of the material in the lumen of the lower gastrointestinal tract all appear to have an important role in tumor outcomes in the azoxymethane-induced rat colon tumorigenesis assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayadev Raju
- Regulatory Toxicology Research Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Roberts
- Regulatory Toxicology Research Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - QiXuan Chen
- Nutrition Research Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Syed A Aziz
- Regulatory Toxicology Research Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Don Caldwell
- Scientific Services Division, Food Directorate, Health Products & Food Branch, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ranjana P Bird
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kylie A Scoggan
- Nutrition Research Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Sector Strategies Division, Safe Environments Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen Pj Brooks
- Nutrition Research Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Gutiérrez A, Gámez R, Noa M, Mas R, Valle M, Mendoza N, Nodal C, Pérez Y, Oyarzábal Á, Bucarano I, Goicochea E, Jiménez S, García H. Long-Term (24 Months) Carcinogenicity Study of D-004, a Lipid Extract From Roystonea regia Fruits, in Sprague Dawley Rats. Int J Toxicol 2015; 34:138-50. [PMID: 25823441 DOI: 10.1177/1091581815576375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Gutiérrez
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rafael Gámez
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Miriam Noa
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rosa Mas
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Maikel Valle
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Nilda Mendoza
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Carlos Nodal
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yohani Pérez
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ámbar Oyarzábal
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Isury Bucarano
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Edy Goicochea
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Sonia Jiménez
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
| | - Haydee García
- Centre of Natural Products, National Centre for Scientific Research, Havana, Cuba
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Howard GJ. Chemical alternatives assessment: the case of flame retardants. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 116:112-7. [PMID: 24703012 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Decisions on chemical substitution are made rapidly and by many stakeholders; these decisions may have a direct impact on consumer exposures, and, when a hazard exists, to consumer risks. Flame retardants (FRs) represent particular challenges, including very high production volumes, designed-in persistence, and often direct consumer exposure. Newer FR products, as with other industrial chemicals, typically lack data on hazard and exposure, and in many cases even basic information on structure and use in products is unknown. Chemical alternatives assessment (CAA) provides a hazard-focused approach to distinguishing between possible substitutions; variations on this process are used by several government and numerous corporate entities. By grouping chemicals according to functional use, some information on exposure potential can be inferred, allowing for decisions based on those hazard properties that are most distinguishing. This approach can help prevent the "regrettable substitution" of one chemical with another of equal, or even higher, risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Howard
- Department of Environmental Studies, Dickinson College, PO Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA.
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Guo X, Zhang S, Dial SL, Boudreau MD, Xia Q, Fu PP, Levy DD, Moore MM, Mei N. In vitro investigation of the mutagenic potential of Aloe vera extracts. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2014; 3:487-496. [PMID: 33953902 DOI: 10.1039/c4tx00053f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 2-year cancer bioassay in rodents with a preparation of Aloe vera whole leaf extract administered in drinking water showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity. To provide insight into the identity and mechanisms associated with mutagenic components of the Aloe vera extracts, we used the mouse lymphoma assay to evaluate the mutagenicity of the Aloe vera whole leaf extract (WLE) and Aloe vera decolorized whole leaf extract (WLD). The WLD extract was obtained by subjecting WLE to activated carbon-adsorption. HPLC analysis indicated that the decolorization process removed many components from the WLE extract, including anthraquinones. Both WLE and WLD extracts showed cytotoxic and mutagenic effects in mouse lymphoma cells but in different concentration ranges, and WLD induced about 3-fold higher levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species than WLE. Molecular analysis of mutant colonies from cells treated with WLE and WLD revealed that the primary type of damage from both treatments was largely due to chromosome mutations (deletions and/or mitotic recombination). The fact that the samples were mutagenic at different concentrations suggests that while some mutagenic components of WLE were removed by activated carbon filtration, components with pro-oxidant activity and mutagenic activity remained. The results demonstrate the utility of the mouse lymphoma assay as a tool to characterize the mutagenic activity of fractionated complex botanical mixtures to identify bioactive components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Guo
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Suhui Zhang
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shanghai Institute for Food and Drug Control, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Stacey L Dial
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Mary D Boudreau
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Qingsu Xia
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Peter P Fu
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Dan D Levy
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Martha M Moore
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Nan Mei
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
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Wan P, Chen H, Guo Y, Bai AP. Advances in treatment of ulcerative colitis with herbs: From bench to bedside. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:14099-14104. [PMID: 25339799 PMCID: PMC4202341 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC), an idiopathic inflammatory disorder in the colon, has become a clinical challenge, owing to the increasing incidence and poor prognosis. The conventional treatments for UC including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, induce remission in only half of patients. Meanwhile, the treatments often come with serious side effects which can be life-threatening. Herbal medicine, one of the most common traditional Chinese medicine modalities, has been introduced for centuries into clinical treatment of many human diseases such as infections and functional disorders. Recently, the potential effectiveness of herbs has been suggested as the treatment of UC, as shown by a variety of clinical trials and experimental studies. The herbs reported in the literature include aloe vera gel, butyrate, tormentil extracts, wheat grass juice, and curcumin. In the review, bioactivity of the herbs and their involvement in UC treatment are discussed.
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Sak K, Jürisoo K, Raal A. Estonian folk traditional experiences on natural anticancer remedies: from past to the future. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2014; 52:855-866. [PMID: 24920231 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.871641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advancements, the burden of cancer is still increasing worldwide. Toxicity of current chemotherapeutics to normal cells and their resistance to tumor cells highlights the urgent need for new drugs with minimal adverse side effects. The use of natural anticancer agents has entered into the area of cancer research and increased efforts are being made to isolate bioactive products from medicinal plants. OBJECTIVE To lead the search for plants with potential cytotoxic activity, ethnopharmacological knowledge can give a great contribution. Therefore, the attention of this review is devoted to the natural remedies traditionally used for the cancer treatment by Estonian people over a period of almost 150 years. METHODS Two massive databases, the first one stored in the Estonian Folklore Archives and the second one in the electronic database HERBA ( http://herba.folklore.ee/ ), containing altogether more than 30 000 ethnomedicinal texts were systematically reviewed to compile data about the Estonian folk traditional experiences on natural anticancer remedies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION As a result, 44 different plants with potential anticancer properties were elicited, 5 of which [Angelica sylvestris L. (Apiaceae), Anthemis tinctoria L. (Asteraceae), Pinus sylvestris L. (Pinaceae), Sorbus aucuparia L. (Rosaceae), and Prunus padus L. (Rosaceae)] have not been previously described with respect to their tumoricidal activities in the scientific literature, suggesting thus the potential herbal materials for further investigations of natural anticancer compounds.
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Rathor N, Arora T, Manocha S, Patil AN, Mediratta PK, Sharma KK. Anticonvulsant activity of Aloe vera leaf extract in acute and chronic models of epilepsy in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 2013; 66:477-85. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The effect of Aloe vera in epilepsy has not yet been explored. This study was done to explore the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf powder on three acute and one chronic model of epilepsy.
Methods
In acute study, aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder was administered in doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Dose of 400 mg/kg of Aloe vera leaf extract was chosen for chronic administration. Oxidative stress parameters viz. malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also estimated in brain of kindled animals.
Key findings
In acute study, Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder in a dose-dependent manner significantly decreased duration of tonic hind limb extension in maximal electroshock seizure model, increased seizure threshold current in increasing current electroshock seizure model, and increased latency to onset and decreased duration of clonic convulsion in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model as compared with control group. In chronic study, Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder prevented progression of kindling in PTZ-kindled mice. Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder 400 mg/kg p.o. also reduced brain levels of MDA and increased GSH levels as compared to the PTZ-kindled non-treated group.
Conclusions
The results of study showed that Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder possessed significant anticonvulsant and anti-oxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Rathor
- Department of Pharmacology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Tarun Arora
- Department of Pharmacology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Sachin Manocha
- Department of Pharmacology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Amol N Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Pramod K Mediratta
- Department of Pharmacology, Sharda Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Krishna K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Sharda Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Ward JM, Treuting PM. Rodent intestinal epithelial carcinogenesis: pathology and preclinical models. Toxicol Pathol 2013; 42:148-61. [PMID: 24178574 DOI: 10.1177/0192623313505156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Colon cancer is a major human malignancy that afflicts millions of people throughout the world each year. Genetics and diet play large roles in colon carcinogenesis although chemicals may also contribute. For the past 40 years, scientists have studied experimentally induced intestinal carcinogenesis in rodents in order to elucidate the etiology and mechanisms involved. Comparative histopathology has revealed many similarities of rodent and human intestinal cancers. Comparative molecular pathology has also shown genetic similarities. More recently, genetically engineered mice and inflammatory colon cancer models have been used for investigating mechanisms and potential chemopreventive and treatment modalities. This review will focus on comparative histopathology and nonclinical models.
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Shao A, Broadmeadow A, Goddard G, Bejar E, Frankos V. Safety of purified decolorized (low anthraquinone) whole leaf Aloe vera (L) Burm. f. juice in a 3-month drinking water toxicity study in F344 rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 57:21-31. [PMID: 23500775 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Decolorized (purified, low anthraquinone) whole leaf Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. juice was administered at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% in the drinking water of F344Du rats for 3 months without any adverse effect. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) in this study was considered to be >2%w/v (>1845 mg/kg bodyweight/day for males and >2920 mg/kg bodyweight for females). The test material contained total anthraquinones at <0.1 parts per million. In the present study there was a complete absence of any histological alteration in samples from the cecum, colon (proximal, mid and distal regions). Similar concentrations of non-decolorized (unpurified, high anthraquinone) Aloe vera extracts tested in other studies have resulted in an increased incidence and severity of diarrhea and colon adenomas and carcinomas. The results of this study supports the assertion that the high levels of anthraquinone present in orally administered, non-purified whole leaf Aloe vera extract may be responsible for the adverse effects observed on the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Shao
- Herbalife International of America Inc., 990 W 190th Street, Suite 650, Torrance, CA 90502, USA.
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