Aloe vera could be secret weapon in fighting Alzheimer’s disease, finds encouraging new study

Researchers have identified compounds in aloe vera that could help treat Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia in the UK.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that affects a person’s memory and is more common in people over the age of 65.

As the disease develops, memory problems worsen and other symptoms may develop, such as problems with speed, language, and hallucinations.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications that can help relieve some symptoms.

These include cholinesterase inhibitors, which stimulate brain chemicals for mild to moderate stages.

However, these medications can cause unpleasant side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, and slow heart rate.

But a plant extract, generally well tolerated, gives hope for a slowing down of the disease.

In a new study, researchers found that beta-sitosterol, a natural plant compound similar in structure to cholesterol and found naturally in aloe vera, interacts strongly with two key enzymes linked to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Aloe Vera is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. However, new research shows that it could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

This makes this spongy green plant a potential candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Beta-sitosterol is often concentrated in the gel of the aloe vera leaf.

It is found in food supplements intended for skin health and general well-being.

Beta-sitosterol is already used as a supplement to lower cholesterol and manage symptoms of enlarged prostate.

The study, published in Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, focused on how these plant compounds interact with key enzymes involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

Using computational research methods, scientists examined whether compounds in Aloe vera could interfere with processes related to the breakdown of brain signals in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The research focused on two enzymes called acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase.

These enzymes play an important role in breaking down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that helps nerve cells communicate.

In Alzheimer’s disease, acetylcholine levels are already reduced, contributing to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Medications that slow these enzymes may help preserve acetylcholine and improve symptoms in some patients.

To study this process, researchers used methods that rely on computer simulations rather than laboratory experiments.

These methods allow scientists to predict how molecules might behave inside the body before moving on to actual testing.

“Our results suggest that beta-sitosterol, one of the compounds in aloe vera, exhibits significant binding affinities and stability, making it a promising candidate for further drug development,” said Meriem Khedraoui, the lead author of the study.

The analysis showed that beta-sitosterol and succinic acid had favorable profiles, suggesting that they may be well absorbed and are unlikely to be toxic at therapeutic levels.

Succinic acid is often used in skin care to treat acne, reduce inflammation, and balance pH.

It offers antimicrobial properties and is often used in formulations containing hyaluronic acid to soothe the skin.

But research now shows that this product could have therapeutic potential.

“The comprehensive analysis confirms the potential of these compounds as safe and effective therapeutic agents,” said Samir Chtita, another author of the study.

The researchers emphasize that the work is still in its early stages.

Laboratory experiments and clinical trials will be needed to confirm whether these compounds are effective and safe in real patients.

The study provides an important foundation for future research into herbal therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Around 900,000 people currently suffer from dementia in the UK, a figure expected to rise to more than 1.6 million by 2040. Dementia is the leading cause of death, accounting for more than 76,000 deaths per year.

The number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to almost triple to 153 million by 2050, with health and social costs already rising to more than £780 billion a year.

At the same time, dementia receives far less research funding than other serious illnesses such as cancer, even though it costs the UK economy around £42 billion a year.

Charities have also warned that progress could stall further after dementia was removed from official NHS planning guidance this year, signaling it should no longer be a priority.