The Promise In Aloe Jed-Joan Edziah Dr. Ronald Doll A Study of the Chemical Components in Aloe Vera and Their Ability to Fight Cancer Jed-Joan Edziah Dr. Ronald Doll

What is Aloe Vera? Genus/Family: Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) Commonly Used Species: Aloe barbadensis and Aloe aborescens There are over 400 species of Aloe Grow in warm climates Can be found in various regions of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and America Aloe africana Aloe barbadensis

What is in Aloe? In each Aloe Vera plant, there are about 75 different vitamins, minerals, sugars, enzymes, amino acids, hormones, and miscellaneous organic and inorganic compounds.

Anatomy of the Aloe Leaf Thick Green Outer Layer: Is a barrier of protection for the plant. Believed to be where sugars and proteins are synthesized in the plant. Contains vascular bundles for water and nutrient transport. Inner “Latex” Leaf Lining: Contains Anthraquinone compounds ( aloin, aloe-emodin, ester of cinnamic acid, barbaloin etc.) which are commonly known as laxatives. Membranous Inner “Flesh” (The Gel): Is 99% water and has an acidic PH of 4.5. Contains polysaccharides (glucomannan and acemannan), bradykinase (anti-inflammatory), carboxypeptidase, lupeol, salicylic acid, protaglandin precursors, saponins, plant sterols, vitamins and minerals.

Common Uses of Aloe Vera Treatment of wounds, sores and cuts Sun burn X-Ray burns Constipation Eczema Skin infections Hair conditioning

A History of Healing Aloe Vera can be dated as far back as 1750 B.C.E in Mesapotamia where it was used in medicinal practices. Egyptian books from 550 B.C.E: Treat skin infections In 74 C.E., a Greek physician, Discordes, wrote a book entitled De Materia Medica: Treat wounds Cure infections Cure chapping Decrease hair loss Eliminate hemorrhoids

Understanding the Functions of Aloe Compounds in Aloe may work together to produce a specific affect while some component chemicals have multiple activities. The biological activities of the components of Aloe are not fully understood.

Comments on Chemical Structures Bond order Carbon – 4 bonds Nitrogen – 3 bonds Oxygen – 2 bonds

1. Laxative Properties of the Anthraquinone Family (Aloin) (Aloe-Emodin) The laxative properties of Aloe result from its Anthraquinones. These compounds are such potent laxatives that they are often avoided because they cause severe cramping, diarrhea and nausea.

2. Skin Care/Antioxidant/Detox Benefits Antioxidants: Neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that posses an unpaired electron) Free radicals in the atmosphere are believed to damage skin and induce aging Antioxidant Components of Aloe: The vitamins (A, C, E and B12) Some mineral compounds Aloe gel stimulates metallothionein, which decreases effect of harmful UV rays on skin Antioxidant properties of aloe lead to nephroprotective (kidney protective) abilities of aloe gel

3. Anti-Inflammatory/Wound Healing Properties Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Aloe-Emodin & Aloin Glucomannan (polysaccharide) and Gibberellin (growth hormone): Stimulate the activity of fibroblasts (collagen synthesizing cells) Improve collagen cross-linking Improve the healing of wounds and the appearance of scars. (Aloin) (Aloe-Emodin) (Glucomannan) (Gibberellin)

4. Antibacterial/Antiviral/Anti-Fungal Known Antibacterial /Antivaral/ Antifungal Agents: Lupeol Salicylic acid Urea nitrogen Cinnamon acid Phenols Sulphur Acemannan Aloe gel was found to be significantly potent against: Bacillus subtilius, Salmonella typhi Trichophyton mentagrophytes Pseudomonas Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphlyococcus epidermis Herpes Simplex Virus Type two (HSV-2) AIDS virus (Acemannan) (Lupeol) (Salmonella Typhi)

5. Immunostimulant/HIV Acemannan: In the testing of people infected with HIV, it improved their white blood cell counts and minimized the effects of the disease

7. Anti-Cancer Aloe gel was found to: Prevent formation of potentially cancer-initiating benzopyrene-DNA adducts (carcinogenic). Inhibits the tumor promoting effects of phorbol myristate acetate.

Narrowing It Down… This study focuses on the anti-cancer functions of the lupeol, aloin, and aloe-emodin compounds found in Aloe Vera.

Lupeol Study its structure function activity Anti-cancer – connection with p53

Aloin/Aloe-Emodin Study its structure function activity Anti-cancer – connection with p53

Research Goals: 1. To understand the biological activity of the lupeol and anthraquinone classes of compounds 2. To determine how lupeol and the anthraquinones are affecting p53 as an anti-tumor activity 3. Can these structural classes be starting points for anti-cancer drug discovery projects?