Evaluation of the anticancer effects of Aloe vera and aloe emodin on B16F10 murine melanoma and NIH3T3 mouse embryogenic fibroblast cells

Abstract

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. is well known for its beneficial effects on skin. On the other hand, antioxidant, immunostimulant and anticancer effects of the plant leaves extracts are reported in scientific resarch. This study was undertaken in order to demonstrate the cytotoxic effect of several extracts prepared from the leaves as well as aloe emodin on a type of skin cancer. A. vera aqueous and methanolic extracts of fresh leaves, methanolic extract of dried leaves and leaf gel extract (AVG) were prepared separately. Cytotoxicity was assayed with MTT test. Apoptosis and necrosis were detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V/ PI. All the extracts have shown selective cytotoxic effect on the cells. The mechanism of AVG cytotoxicity on B16F10 murine melanoma cells was found to be apoptosis while that of AE was necrosis. The fact that treatment with AVG delayed apoptosis in NIH3T3 cells, while it shows apoptotic activity on B16F10 cells, gives a kind of scientific proof for the folkloric and alternative uses of A. vera gel as protective and skin healer. A. vera gel and aloe emodin are thus potential targets for anticancer drug research.