Dr. Abubakar S Bawazir, Dr. Barrawaz Aateka Yahya, Kirti Shivaji Tilwane and Shaikh Shoeb Shaikh Imam

The utilization of herbal medicines, derived from plants and their parts, has experienced a significant resurgence globally. This is attributed to their perceived cost-effectiveness and minimal side effects, particularly in underdeveloped regions where they continue to serve as the primary source of healthcare for a substantial portion of the population. In response to the growing demand, a multitude of companies have emerged to produce herbal remedies. Traditional medicinal systems, such as Ayurveda and Siddha, have long relied on various plant species to combat a wide range of illnesses, driven by concerns about the toxicity and side effects of allopathic treatments.
The surge in antibiotic use was anticipated to vanquish infectious diseases, but it inadvertently led to the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria. Multi-drug resistant strains of pathogens like E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Candida albicans now pose a grave challenge to healthcare institutions worldwide, resulting in escalating treatment costs and patient fatalities.
This study focused on Aloe vera, specifically Aloe barbadensis miller and Socotrine aloe, to assess their antimicrobial properties. Aloe vera gel was extracted and subjected to physicochemical tests to evaluate its bioactivity. The antimicrobial activity of these extracts was examined against a range of clinical bacterial and fungal strains.
The findings revealed that both Aloe barbadensis miller and Socotrine aloe possessed noteworthy antimicrobial activity, presenting a potential resource for treating bacterial and fungal infections. Socotrine aloe exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against E. coli, B. subtilis, and S. typhi, while Aloe barbadensis miller excelled against P. Aeruginosa. Additionally, Socotrine aloe displayed heightened antifungal activity, particularly against Candida species.
In conclusion, this research underscores the antimicrobial potential of Aloe vera gel, with Socotrine aloe showing greater efficacy in certain cases. These findings indicate the promise of incorporating Socotrine aloe into new antimicrobial formulations, further expanding the utility of herbal remedies in combating infectious diseases. The study provides valuable insights into the growing role of herbal medicines in modern healthcare, where conventional antibiotics face mounting challenges from drug-resistant pathogens.
 

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2023.v12.i5e.14751

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