A new study has identified a compound in aloe vera that may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This severe, incurable condition gradually destroys memory and other cognitive functions because abnormal proteins build up in the brain.
Aloe vera is truly a superplant. For centuries, people have used it to treat skin inflammation, improve digestion, boost the immune system, slow down aging processes, heal wounds, relieve pain, and more.
What Have Scientists Discovered About Aloe?
Researchers from Hassan II University in Casablanca, Morocco, found that a compound called beta-sitosterol, produced by aloe vera leaves, may be beneficial in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
During the study, scientists examined 11 compounds from aloe vera. The team used computer modeling to analyze how these compounds interact with enzymes linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Although the research did not involve laboratory experiments or clinical trials, it served as a solid starting point for identifying potential treatment pathways for the disease.
“Our results show that beta-sitosterol, one of the compounds in aloe vera, has significant binding ability and stability, making it a promising candidate for further drug development,” said study co-author Meriem Hedraoui.
Alzheimer’s disease is partly caused by a sharp decline in acetylcholine levels—a neurotransmitter responsible for memory and learning, as reported by Science Alert. The team focused on the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which contribute to the breakdown of acetylcholine. Influencing these enzymes is likely to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
The scientists modeled binding affinities to determine how well aloe vera compounds could interact with AChE and BChE, affecting these enzymes’ ability to break down acetylcholine. Beta-sitosterol received the highest scores for binding with both enzymes. The researchers also found that it could behave well in the body, interacting appropriately and moving through the body effectively.
However, the development of such medications will not happen quickly, especially considering that the results obtained are based solely on modeling.
Nonetheless, Meriem Hedraoui remains optimistic about implementing this discovery: “Our computer modeling approach opens up promising prospects for developing new methods to treat Alzheimer’s disease.”
The study’s findings were published in the journal Current Pharmaceutical Analysis.
Currently, more than 55 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, as the global population ages, the number of cases is expected to rise to 138 million.
While scientists are learning more about how to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease, a complete understanding of its causes and effective treatments remains elusive for medical professionals.
