Antimicrobial activity of alovera plant extract against skin infections

Review Article

Introduction

Aloe vera Linne or Aloe barbadensis Miller is a succulent from the Aloe family, Its thick leaves
contain the water supply for the plant to survive long periods of drought (Foster, 1999). The
leaves have a high capacity of retaining water. When a leaf is cut, an orange-yellow sap drips
from the open end. (Yagi et al., 2020) When the green skin of a leaf is removed a clear
mucilaginous substance appears that contains fibres, water and the ingredient to retain the water
in the leaf. This is called the gel, The gel induces cell growth and as such enhances the
restoration of damaged skin. It moisturizes the skin because it has a water holding capacity A.
vera plant has been used for an array of ailments, including skin diseases Numerous studies
report the effectual use of this plant when functioning topically for the healing of burns,
sunburns, inflammatory skin disorders and wounds (Belo et al., 2006; Reider et al., 2005;
Paulsen et al., 2005).

Aloe plant have important role in antimicrobial activity in everyday life. Aloe gel is mostly use
in humanity for cosmetic, burn and medicinal application. Aloe plant has major role in the
promotion of recombinant-DNA based product, targeting compounds of value to be isolated
and produced in stable and realistic quantities. Such type aloe is a “wonder plant” because it
use in multiple problems like antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent

Antibacterial activity of aloe vera gel extracts was tested against some common skin infection
pathogens, that is, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus all
were recorded positive.

In this study, antibacterial activity of leaf and gel extracts of A. vera were tested against gram
positive and gram-negative skin infections isolates. For this purpose, bacterial strains were
isolated from skin wounds, burns and acne a cosmopolitan and the strains were identified by
conventional methods. . The gel extracts of A. vera showed antibacterial activity against both
gram positive and gram negative isolates . . Minimum Inhibitory Concentration was
determined only for the aloe vera juice and was found to be more active (89.9%) against Proteus
vulgaris. The results obtained with A. vera were compared with five differenstandard
antibiotics In parallel, five standard antibiotics were also tested against the isolated strains.
Additionally, the study also demonstrated that the skin infectious isolates were resistant against
broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Aloe vera leave gel was extracted with four different solvent-like aloe vera leaf extract, root
extract, leaf ethanol extract and root ethanol extract; however, Gram-negative as well Gram-
positive isolates was found highest susceptibility with aloe leaf and aloe root ethanol extract.
Moderate sensitivity observed with aloe leaf extract and aloe root extract against both Gram-
positive as well as Gram-negative bacterial isolates. This result showed that ethanol extracts of
aloe vera both leaf and root can be used alongside conventional antibiotics to fight agents of
infections that are so prevalent in the skin infection. (Lawrence et al., 2009)

A. vera possesses a antibacterial activity against skin infections such as acne, herpes and
scabies (Mantle et al., 2001; Hart et al., 1990). It contains a compound that neutralizes and
binds with FGF-2 receptor, or otherwise alters signaling pathways for FGF-2 by affecting both
GJIC and proliferation of diabetic fibroblast (Abdullah et al., 2003). Several reports suggest
that beneficial effects of Aloe gel are due to its high molecular weight components such as
polysaccharide, lectin like proteins and prostaglandins (Kodym et al., 2003; Puke and Ayensu,
1985; Koo, 1994). The aim of the present study was to evaluate and review the effects of an A.
vera gel and leaf extract on skin infection isolates. The results obtained with A. vera were
compared with five different standard antibiotics

The anti-microbial activity of aloe juice was investigated by agar disc diffusion against
bacteria, . Aloe juice showed anti-bacterial activity against the Gram -ve bacteria
(Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonniae, E.coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and
Similar results have been obtained for anti-microbial activity of the aloe juice against Gram
+ve bacteria (alemdar & agaoglu, 2009) (Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus aureus,
Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus sphericus) (Heggers et al., 1995).
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is derived from the tropical cactus of the genus aloe. Vera is a cactus-like perennial,
drought resistant, succulent plant belonging to the Liliaceae family, of which there are over
360 known species. ( Mehdi, 2015 )

The aloe plant has long, triangular, fleshy leaves that have spikes along the edges. The fresh
parenchymal gel from the center of the leaf is inner colorless leaf gel and to the exudates from
the outer layers. This is sometimes dried to form aloe Vera concentrate or diluted with water
to create aloe juice products. ( Aisha, 2022 ) The elongated and pointed leaves of plant contain
two distinct products: yellow latex (exudate) and clear mucilaginous gel. A. vera gel is revealed
after removal of the thick outer cuticle. The gel consists of 99.3% water and the remaining
0.7% containing a range of active compounds including mucopolysaccharides, enzymes,
sterols, prostaglandins, fatty acids, amino acids, protein, vitamins, minerals, active bioactive
compound, lipid, inorganic components, hormones and anthraquinones. ( Mehdi, 2015 )

Aloe vera is an ornamental and medicinal plant. Aloe has a history of traditional use for
stomach disorders and intestinal disorders including constipation, hemorrhoids, colitis and
colon problems. It is said to be a natural cleaner, powerful in penetrating tissues, relieving pain
associated with joints and muscles, bactericidal, a strong antibiotic, virucidal when in direct
contact with long periods, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, instrumental in increasing circulation
to the area, breaking and digesting dead tissue and moisturizing tissues. The skin absorbs Aloe
vera up to four times faster than water, it appears to help pores of the skin open and receive
moisture and nutrients of the plants. Additionally, Aloe vera have demonstrated enhancement
of immune system functioning within the body and ability to stimulate macrophages. ( Rubina,
2009 )

The Aloe liquid is an antibacterial agent which is against Gram positive and Gram negative
bacteria and effectively kill or greatly reduce or eliminate the growth of Staphylococcus aureus,
Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli,
Propionibacterium acne, Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella typhi. Whole leaf components are
proposed to have direct antibacterial properties include anthraquinones and saponin. ( Rubina,
2009 )
Skin infection

Overlying skin infection makes likely the possibility of introduction of microorganisms into
pleural space. ( PCC, 2006 ). Skin diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or
parasites. The most common bacterial skin pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus and group A
β-hemolytic streptococci. Herpes simplex is the most common viral skin disease. Of the
dermatophytic fungi, Trichophyton rubrum is the most prevalent cause of skin and nail
infections

Primary Infections: Primary skin infections have a characteristic clinical picture and disease
course, are caused by a single pathogen, and usually affect normal skin. Impetigo, folliculitis,
and boils are common types. The most common primary skin pathogens are S aureus, β-
hemolytic streptococci, and coryneform bacteria. These organisms usually enter through a
break in the skin such as an insect bite. Many systemic infections involve skin symptoms
caused either by the pathogen or by toxins; examples are measles, varicella, gonococcemia,
and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Dermatophytic fungi have a strong affinity for
keratin and therefore invade keratinized tissue of the nails, hair, and skin.Secondary Infections:
Secondary infections occur in skin that is already diseased. Because of the underlying disease,
the clinical picture and course of these infections vary. Intertrigo and toe web infection are
examples. ( Aly R,1996 )

Aloe Vera is one of the oldest medicinal plants for healthy skin ever known. This plant is often
mentioned used in herbal medicines since the beginning of the first century AD [7]. Aloe Vera
(AV) gel has been used in the treatment of wounds, burns, insect stings, and skin inflammation,
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anti- skin protection, antidiabetic,
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and whic11are very important for wound healing . AV is effective for
wound healing through various mechanisms such as maintaining moist wounds, increasing cell
migration, increasing collagen production, and reducing inflammation
Methodology

According to the article “Comparative study of antimicrobial action of Aloe Vera and antibiotics
against different bacterial isolates from skin infection” [1] they had performed a prospective study
using 150 skin infections which were isolated from septic wounds. They had performed
antibiotic sensitivity test and Aloe Vera gel screening by disc diffusion method. As results they
had found ethanol extracts of both Aloe Vera leaf and root can be used same as routine
antibiotics to prevent skin infection caused by E.coli, Shigella, and Salmonella Spp and
Staphylococcus aureus.

In the research titled Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe Vera Leaf Extract performed by Kedarnath
et al,[2] the antimicrobial activity of Aloe Vera extract had tested against Staphylococcus aureus,
Klebisella pneumonia and E.coli, Aspergillus niger and Candida, by using cup diffusion method
methanol and petroleum ether at a dose of 20 mg/ml had showed significant activity against
Klebisella pneumonia and E.coli whereas in fungi methanol extract showed significant activity
against Aspergillus niger and Candida. Methanol extract has showed maximum inhibitory
activity against E.coli and Candida. Petroleum ether has showed moderate inhibitory activity
against Klebisella pneumonia and Candida. The zone of inhibition was measured and compared
with standard Gentamycin (1 mg/ml). However, in none of the above mentioned extracts the
inhibition zone was not more than that found in standard i.e., Gentamycin
Results

The results have been showed that both the leaf and the gel have inhibitory effect on S. aureus
with zone of inhibition 18.0 and 4.0 mm, respectively. Among the fungi and bacteria tested,
A. vera gel is indicated greatest inhibitory effect on the S. aureus. This result may be responsi-
ble for the popular use of leaf and A. vera gel to relieve many types of gastrointestinal irrita-
tions since S. aureus form part of the normal microbial flora of the skin, upper respiratory tract
an intestinal. Also the gel is, said to promote wound healing due to the presence of certain
components like hormones & anthraquinones, which possess antifungal antibacterial and anti-
viral activities. However, most of the constituents are not found in the leaf and but found in the
gel ; So the gel is likely to be more active than the leaf. The gel is also inhibited the growth of
T. mentagrophytes (zone of inhibition: 20.0 mm) while the leaf has no any effect on the organ-
ism. This result shows that leaf and gel are made up of different constituents, which is pub-
lished in antimicrobial activities. However, while the gel had no any effect. P. aeruginosa is
known to cause skin infection especially at wounds ,burns sites, ulcers ,pressure sores the leaf
possesses inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa (zone of inhibition: 4.0 mm) while the gel had no
effect. P. aeruginosa is known to cause skin infection especially at burns sites,, wounds,, pres-
sure sores and ulcers, the inhibitory effect of the leaf of A. Vera on the growth of P. aeruginosa
provides an explanation of its reputation as healing plant for burns. The growth of C. albicans
was also inhibited by A. vera leaf but was not affected by the gel. Many clinical forms of
candidiasis are known involving primarily the mucosa surface (thrush gastrointestinal or uro-
genital tract) and deep-seated infections such as meningitis or candidaemia. Candida infection
of the esophagus and mouth are common in those with HIV disease .Davis (1997) in his ex-
periment has challenged the medical views of the relationship between HIV infections , AIDS
and and A. vera. He has seen a promising role for this natural brood spectrum healing plant
because of its immunodulatory properties can also resct as an immune stimulant. The results
of inhibitions effect on C. albicans also confirmed that the A. vera gel and leaf, though share
certain components, are different from one another (Foster 1999).
Antibacterial activity

Aloe vera guice and aloe vera gel have been tested for the antibacterial activity against gen-
tamicin and

doxicycline as positive controls. The zone of inhibition has been showed that both juice and
gel were less active than the positive controls. The data in table I shows that all the bacteria’s
except S. aureus(9.56±0.89mm) were resistant to aloe vera gel whereas, aloe vera juice have
inhibitory effecton the all the tested organisms.
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

Data in table 2 the minimum inhibitory concentration for aloe vera juice compared with
standard antibiotic (Gentamicin) taken as control. When compared to gentamicin, the activity
indicated by aloe vera juice against E. coli was found to be 53.8 %. At 1/10 dilution the
activity was

decreased to 29.2 %. Furthermore, at 1/100 dilution no significant decrease in the activity was

observed. As results by table 2, no significant difference in activity against S. aureus was ob-
served at

1/10 dilution (22.5%) although activity reduced to 5.3 % at 1/100 dilution. In Pseudomonouas
aeruginosa, the activity of aloe vera juice was gradually reduced from (52%) to (19.5 %) with
dilution and at 1/100 dilution the aloe vera juice was found to be ineffective. Proteus vulgaris
has been not indicated any significant difference in the activity with dilution. Enterocococci
faecalis has been not shown any significant difference (42.8%) at 1/10 dilution, although
activity decreased to (25.9%) at 1/100 dilution. Against Staphylococus epidermididis aloe
vera juice indicated 41.1% activity, whichdecreased to 30.4% & 15.2% at 1/10 & 1/100
dilution.
In Bacillus subtilis, activity reduced from 36.2% to 25% with subsequent dilution from 1/10
to 1/100. As compared to gentamicin, the activity indicated by aloe vera juice against
Salmonella typhimurium was found to be 61.4%. Although at 1/10 dilution the activity
reduced to 32.4% and further decreases to 23.45% at1/100 Dilution.
Discussion and conclusion

The samples were obtained using aloe vera gel and leaf. These samples were examined for
antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The crude extract of aloe vera gel exhibited
a greater degree of antibacterial activity. However, some variances occurred with the different
extraction procedures. Methanol exhibited the highest antibacterial activity when compared to
the ethanol extraction technique. Acetone extract inhibited bacteria and fungus more effec-
tively than ethanol and aqueous extracts. The aqueous extract exhibited no inhibitory impact
on Gram negative bacteria and only a little effect on Gram positive bacteria.

Most bacteria were resistant to aloe vera leaf, however aloe vera gel showed modest antibacte-
rial action. This may be due to the presence of a significant level of phenolic antioxidants in
the extract. Aloe vera gel possesses greatest inhibitory effect on the S. aureus, which is the
most common microbe in the skin. Aloe vera gel also promotes wound healing due to the pres-
ence of anthraquinones and hormones, which are largely responsible for antibacterial, antifun-
gal, and antiviral actions in the skin.

The results also show that the gel and the leaf are made up of different constituents, which is
manifested in antimicrobial activities. However, the leaf extract has an inhibitory effect on P.
aeruginosa, which causes skin infection, particularly at burn sites, wounds, pressure sores, and
ulcers. However, the gel has no effect on this microorganism. The leaf, however, has no impact
on this microbe.

Aloe vera also inhibited the growth of fungus, bacteria, and viruses due to antiseptic com-
pounds such lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols, and sulfur.

This study found that both the gel and the leaf may be used as medicines to treat skin infections.
The gel and the leaf have distinct elements that are responsible for suppressing various organ-
isms. As a result, Aloe vera could be a source of new antibiotic compounds. It will be a cost-
effective and safe medicine for treating infectious diseases. Some results show that the gel is
more active than the leaf, but one clear feature is that the gel and leaf can complement one
another in their medicinal capabilities.
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