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Abstract
Currently, the use of Aloe vera has spread all over the world, as it has brought
many benefits throughout history thanks to its anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic,
ant-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Most of these properties converge in
the immunomodulatory effect that causes; this is one of the reasons why it is
necessary to discover the mechanisms involved in this effect. The purpose of this
micro-review is to perform a thorough analysis of in vitro or in vivo studies that
involve research on the immunomodulatory effect caused by A. vera.
1. Introduction
Aloe vera is a plant used for many centuries throughout history by different
civilizations and famous people; the name Aloe is derived from the Arabic "alloeh"
or Hebrew "halal" meaning bitter shiny substance [1]. It has been found that the
origin of this plant was in the south and east of Africa. There are more than 400
species found throughout the world, most grow in subtropical areas [2].
Normally, the part of the plant that is used is the leaf, morphologically it consists of
three parts: The crust, which is the outer layer, has the functionality of giving
protection to the matrix, there is carried out the synthesis of carbohydrates and
proteins; aloe latex, which is the fraction of the plant where most of its secondary
metabolites are concentrated, such as anthraquinones and glycosides; finally, aloe
gel, which is a transparent mucilaginous material that contains mainly water (99%),
its dry matter is constituted mostly long chain polysaccharides (55%), there are
also other components in minor proportions such as other short chain sugars
(17%), minerals (16%), proteins (7%), lipids (4%), phenolic compounds and a
variety of vitamins (1%) [2] [3].
Some of the particular components of the plant are already well characterized and
there is good knowledge about their activity, which as a result contributes to obtain
some of the properties for which the plant is known as: anti-ulcer effect, anti-cancer
activity, anti-diabetic effect, ant-oxidant effect and anti-inflammatory effect; thanks
to all these properties of A. vera its use is quite widespread all over the world [2].
2. Immuno-modulating property
2.1 Wound healing and re-epithelialization properties of Aloe vera
The skin is the first protection barrier against the environment; it is the longest
organ of the human body and plays an important role in homeostasis and good
internal functioning. The skin is composed of two layers; the first layer is the
epidermis has been separated from dermis by the basal membrane and the
second layer is the dermis that takes place on subcutaneous adipose. Epidermis is
the outer layer of the skin, acts as a physical barrier against pathogens, toxins, and
harmful irradiation, it is mainly comprises keratinocyte layers in which some other
types of cells have spread including melanocytes and Langerhans cells. Dermis is
composed of papillary and reticular cells that comprise extracellular matrix or the
basal substance consisting of collagen, fibrous networks, elastin, and
glycosaminoglycan [6][7].
When there is trauma or damage to the skin, a series of cellular and molecular
processes are triggered to repair the damage. Wound healing consists of three
phases: thrombosis and inflammation, new tissue formation and tissue recovery.
The main cellular signaling events that take place in the healing process of a
wound are various growth factors, among which the most outstanding is the
fibroblast growth factor (FGF), the epidermal growth factor (EGF), the factor of
transforming growth (TGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). Together, all these
factors contribute to the repair of the wound [6].
Since ancient times Aloe vera has been attributed healing properties in skin
wounds, but in recent years some mechanisms have been dispelled with which it
accelerates the repair of wounds. This healing property is associated with one of its
mannose-rich polysaccharides, called acemannan. Acemannan influences the
growth factor of fibroblasts, which stimulates the activity and proliferation of these
cells and also improves the production and secretion of collagen. A. vera not only
increases the amount of collagen at the site of the wound, but also increases the
cross-connects of the collagen, thereby accelerating the improvement of the wound
[6]. Other research has shown that β-sitosterol, which is a component of A. vera,
increases angiogenesis and has improved the healing of traumatic tissues by
increasing the rate of genetic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF) and its receptor at the site of injury [6].
Aloe vera is considered effective for the healing of burn wounds. There is evidence
that shows a shortening in the duration of wound healing from first to second
degree burns and an increase in the success rate of healing, this thanks to the
Regarding the safe use of A. vera, it should only be taken into account that for its
topical use it is important to reduce the anthraquinones, in some studies they were
a potential cause of irritation [8].
2.3 Interaction of Aloe vera with the immune system at the cellular level:
in vitro and in vivo studies.
The manipulation of the immune system is important for the treatment of a variety
of diseases. It has been reported that extracts of the Aloe vera leaf have
immunostimulant and immunosuppressive activity in some cells of the immune
system. Most studies on the immunomodulation of A. vera focus on its
polysaccharide acemannan, it is believed that its immunostimulating effects are
due to the activation of macrophages and the processing of the antigen. Activated
macrophages secrete cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, interferon and TNF-α in vitro
[10][4].
3. Conclusion
Currently, Aloe vera has an extensive industrial application throughout the world,
since its components are compatible with the manufacture of many products; it is
used mainly in food industry, pharmaceutical industry and cosmetics industry [14].
For this reason it is very important to have a better knowledge of the plant. The
immunomodulatory effect is a subject which does not yet have all the answers. It is
necessary to carry out more studies where the mechanisms that Aloe vera exerts
with greater precision are discovered.
References
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