Kim J, Lee Y, Kong H, Song Y, Chong-Kil L and Kyungjae K
Aloe saponaria (A. saponaria) is composed of a high content of polysaccharides; however, few studies exist on this Aloe species. We analyzed the polysaccharide and protein contents of A. saponaria and found them to be 90% and 3.6%, respectively. A. saponaria reduced nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, in addition to decreasing COX-2 mRNA expression. Cytokines, key regulators of the immune response, were specifically regulated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with A. saponaria in a dose-dependent manner, and the expression of co-stimulatory molecules tended to decrease. The concentration of A. saponaria crude extract required to exert its immunomodulatory activity is high (500-2000 μg/mL). Further studies will need to purify and optimize the dose required for effective immunomodulation.
