Mutagenic, antioxidant and wound healing properties of Aloe vera

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Aloe vera is a widely used medicinal plant for its various biological activities. This study evaluate possible mutagenic and healing effects of the aqueous extract of A. vera (AEAV) in mice and its oxidant/antioxidant potential in different proficient and deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. Material and methods: The AEAV was topically treated on the wounded skin surface of male albino mice at doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg for seven successive days. The control group was similarly treated with 0.9% NaCl solution. For oxidative/anti-oxidative evaluation, both proficient and deficient strains of S. cerevisiae [cytoplasmic and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase mutant (SOD: Sod1 Delta and Sod2 Delta), cytoplasmic catalase mutant (CAT: Cat1 Delta)], two double defective mutants of Sod1 and Sod2 and Sod1 and Cat1 genes along with a wild-type strains were used. Results: The healing property of AEAV was observed at the dose of 50 mg/kg but at the same dose it showed mutagenic and cytotoxic effects in peripheral blood. AEAV did not produce the oxidizing effect, except in the mutated CAT strain at highest concentration (50 mg/kg). Conclusion: The high concentration of AEAV showed mutagenicity and cytotoxicity. Beside, the healing capacity is believed to be due to its anti-oxidative defense mechanism.