Aloe vera may contain compounds that affect Alzheimer's enzymes

A study using computer simulations found that beta-sitosterol and succinic acid from aloe vera interact with enzymes linked to Alzheimer's disease, and the authors say laboratory experiments and clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Researchers report that compounds found in the gel of aloe vera, including beta-sitosterol and succinic acid, showed interactions with enzymes linked to Alzheimer's disease. The work was published in Current Pharmaceutical Analysis and used computer-based simulation methods rather than laboratory experiments. The authors emphasise these are early-stage results and state that laboratory experiments and clinical trials will be required to confirm any therapeutic benefit. Key findings: - Beta-sitosterol, a plant compound present in aloe vera gel, showed strong binding affinity to acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in the simulations. - Succinic acid also demonstrated favourable profiles in the analysis conducted by the researchers. - The computational models suggested both compounds could be absorbed and are unlikely to be toxic at predicted therapeutic levels. - The study used in silico methods (computer simulations) rather than tests in cells, animals or people. - The researchers explicitly stated that further laboratory work and clinical trials are needed before any clinical conclusions can be drawn. Summary: The analysis provides a computational basis for exploring certain aloe vera compounds as candidates in Alzheimer's research, but it does not demonstrate clinical benefit. Laboratory experiments and clinical trials are the next stated steps.