Effect of Aloe Vera Herbal Extract on Innate Immunity in Balb/c Mice Against Candida Albicans

Abstract

Background: Based on the reports, Aloe vera extract, a herbal medicine, has antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effects. Also, this medicinal plant has considerable effects on innate immunity through cytokine secretion which resist fungal infections such as Candida albicans. Moreover, Aloe vera is considered as immunomodulatory agent and regulate inflammatory responses. Materials and Methods: In this study, twenty Balb/c mice were divided into five groups: four groups of infected mice with Candida albicans treated with different doses of Aloe vera extract and one healthy control group. Then, macrophage vital activity was measured by NBT assay. Nitric Oxide (NO) production as representative of macrophage activity was assayed by MTT test. Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) cytokines were measured by ELISA assay. Results: Based on our study results, macrophage vital activity and NO production decreased significantly. However, TNF-α and IL-12 cytokines increased significantly in mice model infected by Candida albicans. Conclusion: Aloe vera extract could enhance macrophage activity through increase in TNF-α and IL-12 cytokines in Candida albicans infections. Therefore, Aloe vera could stimulate innate immune responses to eliminate Candida albicans.