Stimulation of neuron‐like cell growth by Aloe substances

Aloe plant materials are widely known for their uses in folk medicine, particularly for their ability to aid healing of minor cutaneous wounds and for protection of skin cells. Several in vitro studies have shown Aloe substances stimulate fibroblast and epithelial cell growth and induce lectin‐like responses in immune cells involved in skin wound repair processes. In our present studies, we quantitatively tested Aloe substances extracted from whole leaves and gel filets for their comparative effects on induction of proliferation in fibroblast cells and, for the first time, in neuron‐like cells. Aloe gel substances were found to significantly increase proliferation in suspension‐treated neuron‐like cells to a greater level than that detected in similarly treated fibroblast cells in short term cultures. In long term cultures of cells treated only once, Aloe substances maintained both cells viability at different doses of Aloe. These studies demonstrate for the first time that partially purified substances in Aloe extracts can stimulate the growth of neuron‐like cells in vitro, therefore extending the range of types of cells highly reactive with Aloe substances.