Effects Of Aloe Extracts On Human Normal & Tumor Cells In-Vitro

Winters WD; Benavides R; Clouse WJ
Dep. Microbiol., Univ. Tex. Health Sci. Center
Econ Bot 35 (1), 1981, 89-95

Fractions of leaf extracts from 2 local types, labeled Aloe vera (subsequently identified as A. barbadensis Mill., and A. saponaria Haw.), were prepared by differential centrifugation and tested by in vitro assays for the presence of lectin-like activities and for effects on the attachment and growth of human normal and tumor cells.

Fractions of extracts of fresh leaves and commercially A. vera gel had high levels of lectin-like substances measured by immunodiffusion and nemagglutination assays. Substances in fluid fractions from both fresh leaf sources markedly promoted attachment and growth of human normal cells.