Aloe arborescens

Aloe arborescens, also known as Candelabra or Krantz aloe, is a plant species with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is being investigated for a wide range of therapeutic applications due to its complex chemical composition, which includes bioactive compounds like anthraquinones (e.g., aloin, emodin), chromones, saponins, and polysaccharides. [39731399, 37002349] Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have explored its anticancer properties. A standardized glycosidic fraction from the plant has been shown to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma in animal models by modulating the expression of genes involved in tumor invasion (MMP9, TIMP1) and signaling pathways related to inflammation and cell proliferation (NF-κB, Ki-67, TGFβ1). [39731399] Furthermore, a randomized clinical study in patients with metastatic solid tumors found that combining *Aloe arborescens* with chemotherapy significantly increased tumor regression rates and 3-year survival compared to chemotherapy alone. [3, 4] Extracellular vesicles from the plant containing photosensitizing anthraquinones have also demonstrated phototoxic effects against melanoma cells, suggesting potential for photodynamic therapy. [39594594] Beyond oncology, *Aloe arborescens* has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. [36840217, 34439997, 5] An aqueous extract is a component of a product approved in some European countries for treating upper respiratory tract infections in children. [7, 8, 12] It is also being studied for inflammatory bowel disease, with derivatives shown to attenuate colitis in mouse models. [37367827] Other applications include topical treatment for nipple complications in breastfeeding mothers, protection against alcoholic liver injury, and use as a dietary supplement in dairy cows to improve metabolic health. [35255973, 36788475, 36239181]

Other names

Candelabra aloeKrantz aloe