Aloe Vera May Help Fight Alzheimer’s Disease, Encouraging New Study Finds

Certain

compounds in aloe vera can help treat Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, a new study has found. Alzheimer’s affects a person's memory and is most common in people over the age of 65. As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe, and further symptoms can develop, such as problems with speed and language, and hallucinations. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but certain medications and therapies are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms. These include cholinesterase inhibitors, which boost brain chemicals for mild-to-moderate stages.

Aloe extracts do not have side effects

While the drugs can lead to various side effects like vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, and a slow heart rate, a plant extract that is generally well-tolerated is offering hope for slowing the disease. In the study published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, researchers have discovered that beta-sitosterol - a natural compound with a structure that is similar to cholesterol - found naturally in aloe vera, strongly interacts with two key enzymes that are linked to memory loss and cognitive decline. It makes the spongy plant a potential candidate for Alzheimer's treatment. Beta-sitosterol is often concentrated in the gel of the aloe vera leaf, found in dietary supplements geared towards skin health and general wellness. Beta-sitosterol is also widely used as a supplement to lower cholesterol and to manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

How was the study conducted?

The study focused on how plant compounds interact with key enzymes involved in Alzheimer's disease. It is completely focused on two enzymes known as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase – both of which play an important role in breaking down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that helps nerve cells communicate. In Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholine levels are already reduced, which contributes to memory loss and cognitive decline. To understand the process, scientists used methods that rely on computer simulations rather than laboratory experiments. These methods allowed them to predict how molecules might behave inside the body before moving on to real-world testing. “Our findings suggest that Beta-sitosterol, one of the aloe vera compounds, exhibits significant binding affinities and stability, making it a promising candidate for further drug development,” said Meriem Khedraoui, the lead author of the study. According to the analysis, both beta-sitosterol and succinic acid had favourable profiles, suggesting they could be absorbed well and are unlikely to be toxic at therapeutic levels. Succinic acid is mostly used for treating acne, reducing inflammation, and balancing pH, and offers antimicrobial properties and is often used in formulations that include hyaluronic acid to soothe skin. But now research shows it may have therapeutic potential. “The comprehensive analysis supports the potential of these compounds as safe and effective therapeutic agents,” said Samir Chtita, another author of the study. The researchers emphasise that the work is still in its early stages.Also read: Early Lung Cancer Symptoms Doctors Say People Keep Overlooking

The study is an important insight into Alzheimer’s treatment

The study provides an important foundation for research into plant-based therapies for Alzheimer's disease. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 57 million people live with dementia across the world, with Alzheimer’s disease causing 60 to 70 per cent of these cases. Cases are rising by nearly 10 million annually, with over 60 per cent of individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Dementia is the 7th leading cause of death, costing the global economy US$1.3 trillion in 2019. The number is only expected to triple to 153 million by 2050, with the health and social costs already costing in excess of billions of dollars.