ABSTRACT
Aloe barbadensis Miller has gained more attention over the last few decades due to its therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory property of the Aloe vera gel extract through in vitro and in vivo studies. The in vitro anti-oxidant activity of the Aloe vera gel extract was evaluated by ABTS, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and metal chelating activity, and the anti-inflammatory activity by the inhibition of albumin denaturation. The in vivo evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential was carried out through the intradermal injection of Complete-Freund's Adjuvant in Wistar albino rats. The Aloe vera extract has shown significant anti-oxidant activity against free radicals by in vitro assays. The Aloe vera gel extract showed better inhibition of heat-induced albumin denaturation compared to aspirin. Oral administration of the Aloe vera gel (300 mg kg−1 BW) extract showed potent in vivo anti-inflammatory activity against Freund’s Adjuvant-induced paw edema in male Wistar albino rats. The Aloe vera gel extract showed a significant reduction of TNF-α, IL-6 with concomitant increase in reduced superoxide dismutase, catalase compared to the inflammatory control and standard drug diclofenac. These results indicate that the Aloe vera gel extract is able to exert anti-inflammatory potential through synergetic effect with a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and an increase in anti-oxidant enzyme levels.
