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Currently, hydrogel materials are being widely developed and investigated. Factors affecting their properties may be mentioned, such as the types and the amounts of the reagents used for the synthesis of the hydrogel matrix and modifiers; thus, the main aim of the investigations was to check the impact of the amount of photoinitiator applied during the UV-induced polymerization of polyvinylpyrrolidone-based hydrogels incorporated with vitamin C and Aloe vera juice. The experiments that were performed were focused on determining the hydrogels' swelling capability, behavior in simulated body fluids, hydrophilicity, chemical structure (using FT-IR spectroscopy), as well as their surface morphology and roughness. It was proven that developed materials had relatively rough surfaces, they did not degrade in simulated physiological liquids, and their swelling ratios in these media were 2.0–3.0 g/g. The only change in the pH of the incubation media—a slight decrease—was caused by the release of the modifiers into the tested liquids. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that as the amount of the photoinitiator (2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone) increased, the percentage elongation decreased, and the tensile strength increased. The content of the photoinitiator in the hydrogels also influenced their wettability. All samples showed hydrophilicity; the more photoinitiator in the hydrogel structure, the lower wetting angle for water. Moreover, the greater the amount of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone, the smoother and more homogeneous the hydrogel surface; thus, considering the demonstrated physicochemical properties of developed materials, they seem to show application potential for more advanced research regarding the development of innovative dressing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, a great interest is directed to developing biomaterials incorporated with various therapeutical substances which may enhance them with new properties and thus increase their application potential. In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based hydrogels modified with Aloe vera juice and vitamin C and differing in the amount of the photoinitiator used during their synthesis were developed. Analysis of hydrogels included characterization of their chemical structure via FT-IR spectroscopy, sorption properties, wettability, surface morphology, behavior in simulated physiological liquids and mechanical properties. Finally, hydrogels' cytotoxicity towards L929 murine fibroblasts using MTT reduction assay was additionally verified. It was demonstrated that as the amount of the photoinitiator used during the synthesis of hydrogels increased, the smoother their surface and the higher their hydrophilicity. Next, the greater the amount of the photoinitiator, the lower is the percentage elongation of the hydrogel and the greater the hardness. In turn, the swelling ability of hydrogels depended strongly on the type of the absorbed liquid—swelling ratios of samples in distilled water were 24% higher than in SBF, 18% higher than in Ringer liquid, and 32% higher than in hemoglobin wherein the amount of the photoinitiator did not affect this property. Additionally, hydrogels were stable and did not degrade in simulated physiological liquids. The only changes in pH of the incubation media were probably caused by the active substances release from hydrogels which was also confirmed via a lesser intensity of the absorption band on FT-IR spectra corresponding to the functional group occurring in compounds included in Aloe vera juice. Importantly, the viability of fibroblasts incubated with developed materials was at least 86%. Thus the hydrogels, due to their properties, seem to show application potential to be used for biomedical purposes, e.g., as innovative dressing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in vivo study of the healing properties of the glycerohydrogel plates based on L- and D-ascorbate chitosan, Aloe vera juice, and silicon tetraglycerolate in the treatment of a cut wound in male albino rats was carried out. It was found that the use of the plates statistically significantly increased the rate of decrease in the area of the wound surface and the rate of wound healing and reduced the period of skin restoration as compared with the control. The highest rate of regeneration was observed under plates with chitosan D-ascorbate, which confirmed the previously discovered effect of homochirality of chitosan salts on the biological functionality of its materials. Glycerohydrogel plates based on D-ascorbate chitosan are highly effective wound dressings and are economically feasible due to the lower cost of the D isomer of ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although gutta-percha cones are usually supplied in aseptic packages, once opened and used, they may be contaminated. Chair side disinfection of these cones is important and critical for success of endodontic therapy. Gutta-percha being heat labile, chemical disinfection is the only viable alternative for the sterilization of these cones. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate an effective method of disinfection of gutta-percha cones using various herbal and chemical solutions after intentional contamination with Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: 150 gutta-percha cones were selected for the study. Based on the contaminants used, 140 gutta-percha cones were divided into 2 groups: Group A and Group B with 70 cones in each group and the remaining 10 cones (Group VIII) which were uncontaminated served as negative control. The cones from Group A were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Group B were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). The contaminated cones from both groups were subdivided into 7 groups with 10 cones in each group. Group I cones were disinfected with Q Mix 2 in 1, Group II with 3% sodium hypochlorite, Group III with chitosan, Group IV with aloe vera juice, Group V with amla juice, and Group VI with pancha tulsi. Group VII consisted of gutta-percha cones without any disinfection in both Group A and Group B which served as positive control. The disinfection time was 1 min. All the cones were then incubated in thioglycollate media for 7 days. The thioglycollate media was subcultured and colony forming units were counted. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests using SPSS 17.0 software. Results: There was a statistically significant difference present in the mean colony forming units among all the groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Pancha Tulsi and Q Mix 2 in 1 possessed superior antibacterial activity when compared to other experimental solutions.

Background: Candida albicans is an opportunistic microorganism found in the oral cavity. High numbers of C. Albicans were often detected in dental plaque from children with caries. Aloe vera contains active compounds such as anthraquinone and flavanoid that have an antifungal effect against C. Albicans. The study aimed to compare the effect between Aloe vera juice and 0.06% chlorhexidine mouth rinse on C. Albicans colonies in plaque Method: Experimental study consisted of 30 children with carious teeth >4. Subjects were divided into two groups; Aloe vera juice and chlorhexidine 0,06%. Subjects were instructed to use 10 ml of each mouthwash twice daily for 7 days. At baseline and 7thdays, dental plaque samples were collected and then inoculated on saboroud dextrose agar. C. Albicans colonies were counted and expressed in CFU/ml. Result: The data were analyzed using a paired T-test and Mann-Whitney U test. A significant reduction on C. Albicans colonies in plaque was observed with Aloe vera juice (p0,05). Conclusion: The present study suggested that Aloe vera juice can be used as a mouthwash due to its ability in reducing C. Albicans in plaque.

Introduction and aim: Aloe vera was known in antiquity, and then its versatile healing and cosmetic properties were used. It is a rich source of many chemical compounds; it has been shown that there are 75 biologically active compounds, i.e. vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, phenolic compounds, sterols, amino acids. The aim of this article was to review the literature and gather information on the health benefits of aloe vera and its products. Brief description of the state of knowledge: There are many studies in the available literature on the influence of aloe vera and its products on human health. Studies carried out with the use of an aloe gel extract have shown that methanol and acetone solutions have maximum radical scavenging abilities. Other sources report that the use of aloe vera had a beneficial effect on the treatment of first and second degree burns, in addition the use of aloe vera gel in 63 male wounded rats increased the healing power of wounds than in other groups. Aloe vera juice is useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion, yeast, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Aloe vera extract increased cell tolerance to glucose in healthy and diabetic rats, and the use of aloe vera juice (4 - 14 weeks) had a significant hypoglycemic effect. Summary: The collected literature data show that aloe vera, as well as its products have a beneficial influence of human health. They exhibit properties such antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, lipid and blood sugar lowering properties, and also accelerate the healing of wounds and burns. Aloe vera also has a beneficial effect on people's appearance (skin, hair, nails), thanks to which it finds a wide use in the cosmetics industry. Despite so many benefits, people should pay attention to the side effects of using aloe vera. It is also important to continue research (both with animals and people) related to the influence of this plant and its products on health.

Background: Aloe vera contains active components such as antrhaquinones, saponin, glucomannans, and acemannans that have been known for its antimicrobial properties. In vitro study showed that Aloe vera extract can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Studies reported that children with caries have high level of salivary S. mutans which is the main pathogen in dental caries. The gold standard mouthrinse for dental caries is chlorhexidine gluconate, but it has several side effects. The objective of this study was to compare the effect between Aloe vera juice and 0.06% chlorhexidine mouth rinse on salivary S. mutans in children with caries. Methods: This experimental research with pretest and post-test control group design conducted on 30 children (6-12 years old) with number of carious teeth >4. Subjects divided into 2 groups: Aloe vera juice group and 0.06% chlorhexidine group, which instructed to rinse their mouth with 10 ml stated mouthwash, twice a day, during 7-day period. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and after 7 days then inoculated on mitis salivarius bacitracin agar. S. mutans were counted and expressed in CFU/ml. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. Result: The result showed that a significant reduction in salivary S.mutans counts was observed with Aloe vera juice mouth rinse and 0.06% chlorhexidine (p0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Aloe vera juice can reduce salivary S. mutans in children with caries so it can be considered as alternative mouthwash to prevent caries.

Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the prevalence continues to increase, with the largest increase occurring in low and middle income countries. The active content of aloe vera functions as antioxidants, flavonoids, regulates body weight and antihyperglycemic, namely acemannan and glucomannan, which are included in the Liliaceae family and are succulent plants, shrubs, xerophytes commonly used to treat wound healing, microbial infections, skin diseases and inflammation. This study aims to analyze the effect of aloe vera juice before meals on fasting blood sugar levels in T2DM patients with an analytical study. Pre-post Test Control Group Design was used in the research design. The subjects were given aloe vera juice before lunch in the treatment group while the control group was given mineral water. Based on the results of statistical tests, there was a significance (p value = 0.022) in the aloe vera juice group and in the control group p value = 0.094. There is an effect of giving aloe vera juice to T2DM patients who are given lunch while there is no effect in the control group who is given mineral water. Further research on the effect of pre-meal aloe vera juice on cholesterol is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although gutta-percha cones are usually supplied in aseptic packages, once opened and used, they may be contaminated. Chair side disinfection of these cones is important and critical for success of endodontic therapy. Gutta-percha being heat labile, chemical disinfection is the only viable alternative for the sterilization of these cones.Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate an effective method of disinfection of gutta-percha cones using various herbal and chemical solutions after intentional contamination with Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.Materials and Methods: 150 gutta-percha cones were selected for the study. Based on the contaminants used, 140 gutta-percha cones were divided into 2 groups: Group A and Group B with 70 cones in each group and the remaining 10 cones (Group VIII) which were uncontaminated served as negative control. The cones from Group A were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Group B were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). The contaminated cones from both groups were subdivided into 7 groups with 10 cones in each group. Group I cones were disinfected with Q Mix 2 in 1, Group II with 3% sodium hypochlorite, Group III with chitosan, Group IV with aloe vera juice, Group V with amla juice, and Group VI with pancha tulsi. Group VII consisted of gutta-percha cones without any disinfection in both Group A and Group B which served as positive control. The disinfection time was 1 min. All the cones were then incubated in thioglycollate media for 7 days. The thioglycollate media was subcultured and colony forming units were counted. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests using SPSS 17.0 software.Results: There was a statistically significant difference present in the mean colony forming units among all the groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Pancha Tulsi and Q Mix 2 in 1 possessed superior antibacterial activity when compared to other experimental solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin-based hydrogels have gained considerable attention due to their resemblance to the extracellular matrix and hydrophilic three-dimensional network structure. Apart from providing an air-permeable and moist environment, these hydrogels optimize the inflammatory microenvironment of the wounds. These properties make gelatin-based hydrogels highly competitive in the field of wound dressings. In this study, a series of composite hydrogels were prepared using gelatin (Gel) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) as primary materials, glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker, and aloe vera juice as an anti-inflammatory component. The properties of the hydrogel, including its rheological properties, microscopic structures, mechanical properties, swelling ratios, thermal stability, antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility, were investigated. The results demonstrate that the gelatin-based hydrogels exhibit good elasticity and rapid self-healing ability. The hydrogels exhibited slight shear behavior, which is advantageous for skin care applications. Furthermore, the inclusion of aloe vera juice into the hydrogel resulted in a dense structure, improved mechanical properties and enhanced swelling ratio. The Gel/CMCh/Aloe hydrogels tolerate a compressive strength similar to that of human skin. Moreover, the hydrogels displayed excellent cytocompatibility with HFF-1 cells, and exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Lomefloxacin was used as a model drug to study the releasing behavior of the Gel/CMCh/aloe hydrogels. The results showed that the drug was released rapidly at the initial stage, and could continue to be released for 12 h, the maximum releasing rate exceeded 20 %. These findings suggest that the gelatin-based hydrogels hold great promise as effective wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Gutta-percha (GP) gets contaminated during handling. It becomes imperative to ensure GP is sterile before placement in root canal space., Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the tensile strength of GP treated with four different disinfectant solutions: 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), amla juice (AJ), Aloe vera (AV) juice, and pancha tulsi (PT)., Settings and Design: The study design was an in vitro study., Materials and Methods: Fifty GP cones with a size of 30 were procured from sealed packages in five different groups. Experimental groups were disinfected for 1 min with 3% NaOCl, AJ, AV, and PT except the control group. Tensile and Brinell Testing Machine is used to measure the tensile strengths of GP., Statistical Analysis Used: Results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc test., Results: The mean tensile strength values for Groups A, B, C, D, and E are 9.49 Mpa, 13.33 Mpa, 12.58 Mpa, 12.69 MPa, and 13.56 MPa, respectively. In the herbal disinfectant group, such as AJ, AV, and PT, the tensile strength was not significantly altered, whereas in the 3% NaOCl group, it was reduced considerably., Conclusions: AJ, AV juice, and PT as a GP disinfectant do not alter the tensile strength of GP cones., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.)

It is of interest to assess the effect of Aloe vera juice on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Non-probability convenience sampling techniques was used to obtain sample of fifty type 2 diabetic patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Blood sugar level was assessed by using glucometerbefore and after consumption of Aloe vera juice. The average post-test score in the experimental group 177.43 (Standard deviation 17.64) was significantly lower than the average post-test score in control group 128.76 (Standard deviation 27.50). Unpaired 't' value 7.2926. It shows there is a significant difference found in the post-test scores on the level of blood glucose. Chi square analysis showed that there was no correlation between patients with demographic variables except age, occupation, smoking habit, habit of alcoholism and family history., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest, (© 2023 Biomedical Informatics.)

In this study, central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the combined effects of milk fat (2–4 g/100 g), milk solids-not-fat (MSNF; 8–10 g/100 g) and Aloe vera juice (AVJ; 16–20 g/100 g) on probiotic count, physico-chemical, sensory and textural properties of A. vera supplemented probiotic dahi (APD). Analysis of variance indicated that experimental data was well explained by the quadratic model with high efficiency check values ( R 2 > 0.78) and the lack-of-fit tests were not significant. The results showed that with increasing AVJ content, pH and water holding capacity (WHC) of APD decreased and consequently syneresis increased. Increasing milk fat and MSNF levels significantly improved WHC and prevented syneresis. Sensory quality was improved by raising the level of milk fat. Improvement in probiotic count was noticed with increasing MSNF and AVJ content probably due to increase in amount and diversity of nutrients. Firmness and work of shear values were increased significantly with milk fat and MSNF levels. AVJ addition decreased the work of adhesion values. Levels of the ingredients in optimized APD with maximum overall acceptability were found to be 4 g/100 g milk fat, 10 g/100 g MSNF and 16 g/100 g AVJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present investigation the efforts have been made to prepare a therapeutic ready-to-serve (RTS) made from blend of aloe vera, and aonla fruit juice. The blended juice of different ratio of aloe vera and aonla fruit juice 60:40(A), 65:35(B). 70:30(C) 75:25(D) and 80:20(E) with 15% of sugar. 0.3% of acidity and 100 ppm of Potassium metabisulfite and blends were homogenized and pasteurized. The prepared therapeutic RTS is complying with Indian standards for RTS fruits beverages. The blended therapeutic RTS were analyzed for its different physicochemical, storage stability and sensory qualities. Among different blended ratio for therapeutic RTS. sample D was reached with highest sensory scores for overall acceptability . The developed therapeutic RTS could be recommended for the large scale production at industrial level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the potential protective and therapeutic effects of Aloe vera juice against malathion induced haematological changes in young rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were evaluated in this study. Material and methods: Rabbits were allocated into two sets of experiments short (7 days) and long (21 days) periods. Animals of each set were divided into eight groups; four treated groups and each treated group had its own control. The animals of the first group were orally dosed with Aloe vera juice (0.84 ml/kg b. wt.). Rabbits of the second group were orally dosed with malathion (5 mg/kg b. wt.). In the third group (the protective group) animals were dosed orally with malathion concomitant with Aloe vera juice. Animals of the fourth group (the therapeutic group) were dosed orally with malathion; for 7 days followed by Aloe vera juice for the same period. All the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and used to determine the levels of hematological indices: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Results: rabbits treated with Aloe vera juice (group 1) showed insignificant change in WBCs count, MCH and MCHC after treatment for both periods. On the other hand, other parameters exhibited significant (RBCs count) and highly significant (Hb and Hct values) change in rabbits treated for the short period. The rabbits of the second group (treated with malathion) exhibited a marked increase in WBCs count, MCV and MCH values, while, the values of RBCs, Haemoglobin and Hct were decreased. The protective group (Group3) showed that the values of all the tested haematological parameters (except MCHC, in both periods of treatment, and WBCs count in the short period of treatment) recorded a significant change in rabbits treated for short (7 days) or long (21 days) periods. A marked recovery in RBCs count and MCH value was observed in rabbits treated for 21 days. Regarding to group 4 (the therapeutic group), it was found that in both terms the rabbits exhibited insignificant changes in the values of all the tested haematological parameters compared to their corresponding controls, except three parameters in which they recorded significant (WBCs count, MCHC) and highly significant (Hct) increase compared to their control values after the long period only. These observations indicated the ability of Aloe vera juice to improve the deleterious effects caused by malathion administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is significant scientific investigation taking place into the function and the mechanisms of action of natural killer (NK) cells (NKCs). Many plant extracts and vitamin supplements may play an immunoregulatory role by stimulating the functionality of the NKCs. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effects of vitamin C and Aloe vera juice on NK activity. In the in vitro experiments the activity of various concentrations of vitamin C (ranging from 3×10−3 M to 3×10−9 M) and Aloe vera juice (50μl) were examined in the modulation of the NKCs functionality, taken from blood samples collected from 12 healthy volunteers. The in vivo experiments were performed on 15 healthy volunteers, who took supplements of a combination of 1g/day of vitamin C and 50ml of Aloe vera juice for 45 consecutive days. The in vitro results showed that both substances increased NKC cytotoxicity against K562 cancer cell line. Furthermore, in the in vivo experiment the cytotoxicity of the NK was significantly increased compared to the pre-supplementation values (p <0.05) under all three conditions tested. These results indicate that vitamin C and Aloe vera juice can modulate NK cells cytotoxicity and has the potential to enhance the immune system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, many investigations on the development of innovative dressing materials with potential applications, e.g., for cytostatics delivery, have been performed. One of the most promising carriers is albumin, which tends to accumulate near cancer cells. Here, chitosan-based hydrogels containing albumin spheres and Aloe vera juice, designed for the treatment of skin cancers or burn wounds resulting from radiotherapy, were developed. The presence of albumin in hydrogel matrices was confirmed via Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. Albumin spheres were clearly visible in microscopic images. It was proved that the introduction of albumin into hydrogels resulted in their increased resistance to the tensile load, i.e., approximately 30% more force was needed to break such materials. Modified hydrogels showed approximately 10% more swelling ability. All hydrogels were characterized by hydrophilicity (contact angles were <90°) which may support the regeneration of epithelial cells and non-cytotoxicity towards murine fibroblasts L929 and released Aloe vera juice more effectively in an acidic environment than in a neutral one wherein spheres introduced into the hydrogel matrix extended the release time. Thus, the developed materials, due to their chemical composition and physicochemical properties, constitute promising materials with great application potential for biomedical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although gutta-percha cones are usually supplied in aseptic packages, once opened and used, they may be contaminated. Chair side disinfection of these cones is important and critical for success of endodontic therapy. Gutta-percha being heat labile, chemical disinfection is the only viable alternative for the sterilization of these cones., Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate an effective method of disinfection of gutta-percha cones using various herbal and chemical solutions after intentional contamination with Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis., Materials and Methods: 150 gutta-percha cones were selected for the study. Based on the contaminants used, 140 gutta-percha cones were divided into 2 groups: Group A and Group B with 70 cones in each group and the remaining 10 cones (Group VIII) which were uncontaminated served as negative control. The cones from Group A were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Group B were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). The contaminated cones from both groups were subdivided into 7 groups with 10 cones in each group. Group I cones were disinfected with Q Mix 2 in 1, Group II with 3% sodium hypochlorite, Group III with chitosan, Group IV with aloe vera juice, Group V with amla juice, and Group VI with pancha tulsi. Group VII consisted of gutta-percha cones without any disinfection in both Group A and Group B which served as positive control. The disinfection time was 1 min. All the cones were then incubated in thioglycollate media for 7 days. The thioglycollate media was subcultured and colony forming units were counted. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests using SPSS 17.0 software., Results: There was a statistically significant difference present in the mean colony forming units among all the groups (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Pancha Tulsi and Q Mix 2 in 1 possessed superior antibacterial activity when compared to other experimental solutions., Competing Interests: None