Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Aloe barbadensis in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized with a chronic, systemic inflammation which primarily affects synovial joints. A significant percentage of the world population including notably the aged groups suffers from such a disabling and painful condition that can result in substantial loss of normal functioning and mobility, if not adequately treated. Natural products have always been a potential source of alternative therapy and lead compounds for various diseases. A good number of anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory plant extracts (and phytochemicals thereof) seem to exist whilst several of them have been specially studied in the context of RA. One potential example in this regard includes Aloe barbadensis. Over 75 active components have already been identified in Aloe barbadensis leaf gels and some of them have been implicated as immunomodulatory compounds and as such beneficial against RA, based on animal studies. This paper aims at critically reviewing the evidence of beneficial role as well as possible mechanism of such action of Aloe barbadensis preparations in RA and related complications. Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anthraquinones, polysaccharides. Read more →