Search

Aloe is one of the few medicinal plants that has maintained its popularity for a long period of time. Aloe latex is used for its laxative effect and should be distinguished from aloe gel, used both in cosmetics and ointments for skin ailments. Aloe whole leaf is another preparation used internally as a drink in a wide range of human diseases including cancer, AIDS, ulcerative colitis and other disturbances. The concomitant use of honey may make the aloe whole leaf therapy more palatable and efficient. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Some 68 plant extracts from 65 species belonging to 25 families were investigated for antibacterial activity against eight gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Of the 68 extracts, 64 (94.1%) exhibited inhibitory effects against one or more microorganisms. Furthermore, among the active extracts, 12 from 11 species exhibited a broad spectrum of activity. Discussion on the probable chemical components responsible for this activity is included.

Quercetin, rutin and kaempferol, administered intraperitoneally (25–100 mg/kg) inhibited dose-dependently gastric damage produced by acidified ethanol in rats. Flavone was inactive while naringin was active at higher dose (200 mg/kg). The flavonols tested inhibited dose-dependently the mucosal content of platelet-activating factor (PAF) suggesting that the protective effects of these substances may be mediated by endogenous PAF.

Studies have been made of eugenol on isolated tissues from man and laboratory animals, and on rats in vivo. Eugenol inhibited prostaglandin synthesis, and reduced the tone of isolated gut muscle and myometrium. With rats in vivo, the compound reduced the rate of intestinal transit, the intestinal accumulation of fluid induced by prostaglandin E2, and the diarrhoea induced by castor oil. Eugenol showed anti-inflammatory activity in the rat paw carrageenin oedema test.