The compounds in Aloë leaf exudates: a review

Abstract

The drug Bitter Aloes has been used for several thousands of years because of its purgative properties and later several species of the plant have been cultivated for horticultural interest. In addition, many more local therapeutic properties have been recorded. Research has been largely directed towards the physiologically active components during the 50s and 60s. Extensions to this work in the last decade have been made in Germany, Japan and South Africa. Compounds have been characterized from the dried exudate prepared for drug purposes and from a few species. A number of anthraquinones have been recognized both in the free state and as glycosides. Other compounds with phenolic groups include chromones and a phenyl‐pyranone. Chromatographic methods have been developed for recognizing some of these compounds and estimating the levels of those of pharmacological interest. Distribution of some of the compounds among a number of species is described showing that among some groups it has taxonomic significance. The biology of secretion and exudation from Aloë leaves remains largely unknown although fragmentary evidence points to interesting and potentially useful activity in some of the components.

Aloe-emodin, an anthraquinone, in vitro inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cells

“…Aloe-emodin is a natural active compound present in the leaves of Aloe vera (1). Some studies have found that aloe-emodin has numerous biological properties including antiviral, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activities (2).…”

Aloe Emodin’s Effects on Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Cells

“…12 Aloe emodin, an anthraquinone compound present in the leaves of Aloe vera, has exhibited anticancer biological function in esophageal, colon, pancreatic, and many other types of cancers. 13 Aloe emodin seems to target cancerous cells by down regulating many key cancer promoting molecules without cytotoxic effects, [13][14][15][16] but no studies have yet explored its effects on PGE2 regulation. It was the purpose of this work to explore the effect of Aloe vera components as alternative to commonly used chemotherapies, as potential inducers of apoptosis and inhibitors of the COX-2 pathway in cervical cancer, HeLa cells.…”

Cytotoxicity study of plant Aloe vera (Linn)

“…[2] Our study analyzed the cytotoxic potential of AE, a hydroxyanthraquinon, naturally present in the leaves of Aloe vera. [3,4] The presence of free radicals in the body induces cell and tissue damages. This sort of damage is known as oxidative damage.…”