In Vitro Study of the Biological Activity of Aloe barbadensis Miller and its Physicochemical Characterization.

Abstract

Aloe barbadensis is a natural source of bioactive compounds whose combined effects have been linked to the improvement of several diseases. There is scientific evidence obtained through in vitro and in vivo assays showing the possible benefits of aloe gel. The aim of this research was to characterize and determine the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antibacterial capacities of aloe gel extract. The gel was extracted by removing the exocarp of aloe leaves. Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, quantification of phenolic compounds, spectroscopic techniques (Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, XPS and XRD) and in vitro biological activities were then performed. The aloe gel contained 66.95% of polysaccharides, corresponding to dietary fiber. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed bands of functional groups (e.g., COO-, CO-, and OH) related to the structure of polymannans. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the presence of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, potassium, sodium, and cobalt. The phenolic compounds identified by HPLC were diverse, highlighting the presence of aloe emodin, aloin and gallic acid. The aloe gel exhibited anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antibacterial (Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) activities, indicating the possible use of Aloe barbadensis M. as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of diseases.