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Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera gel in human colorectal mucosa in vitro

  1. L. Langmead,
  2. R. J. Makins,
  3. D. S. Rampton

Article first published online: 17 FEB 2004

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01874.x

Issue

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Volume 19, Issue 5, pages 521–527, March 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Langmead, L., Makins, R. J. and Rampton, D. S. (2004), Anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera gel in human colorectal mucosa in vitro. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 19: 521–527. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01874.x

Author Information

  1. Centre for Adult and Paediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Science, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK

*Professor D. S. Rampton, Endoscopy Unit, Royal London Hospital, London E1 1BB, UK. E-mail: d.rampton@qmul.ac.uk

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 17 FEB 2004
  2. Article first published online: 17 FEB 2004
  3. Accepted for publication 9 December 2003

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Summary

Background : Oral aloe vera gel is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease and is under therapeutic evaluation for this condition.

Aim : To assess the effects of aloe vera in vitro on the production of reactive oxygen metabolites, eicosanoids and interleukin-8, all of which may be pathogenic in inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods : The anti-oxidant activity of aloe vera was assessed in two cell-free, radical-generating systems and by the chemiluminescence of incubated colorectal mucosal biopsies. Eicosanoid production by biopsies and interleukin-8 release by CaCo2 epithelial cells in the presence of aloe vera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results : Aloe vera gel had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on reactive oxygen metabolite production; 50% inhibition occurred at 1 in 1000 dilution in the phycoerythrin assay and at 1 in 10–50 dilution with biopsies. Aloe vera inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 by 30% at 1 in 50 dilution (P = 0.03), but had no effect on thromboxane B2 production. The release of interleukin-8 by CaCo2 cells fell by 20% (P < 0.05) with aloe vera diluted at 1 in 100, but not at 1 in 10 or 1 in 1000 dilutions.

Conclusion : The anti-inflammatory actions of aloe vera gel in vitro provide support for the proposal that it may have a therapeutic effect in inflammatory bowel disease.

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