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

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

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

As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe and further symptoms can develop, such as problems with speed and language and hallucinations.   

There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms. 

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

However, these drugs can cause unpleasant side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle cramps and a slow heart rate.  

But a plant extract that is generally well-tolerated is offering hope for slowing the disease.

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

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

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

It can be found in dietary supplements geared towards skin health and general wellness.

Beta-sitosterol is already used as a supplement to lower cholesterol and to 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 computer-based research methods, scientists examined whether Aloe vera compounds could interfere with processes linked to the breakdown of brain signalling in people with Alzheimer’s.

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, which contributes to memory loss and cognitive decline. 

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

To study this process, researchers used methods which 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 real-world testing. 

‘Our findings suggest that Beta- sitosterol, one of the aloe vera compounds, 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 both Beta sitosterol and succinic acid had favourable profiles, suggesting they could be absorbed well and are unlikely to be toxic at therapeutic levels. 

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

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

But now research shows it may have therapeutic potential.

‘The comprehensive analysis supports the potential of these compounds as safe and effective therapeutic agents,’ said Samir Chtita, another author of the study.

The researchers emphasise 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 plant-based therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. 

Around 900,000 people are currently living with dementia in the UK, a figure expected to rise to more than 1.6million by 2040. Dementia is the leading cause of death, accounting for more than 74,000 deaths a year. 

The number of people with dementia globally is expected to nearly triple to 153million by 2050 with the health and social costs already costing in excess of £780bn a year. 

At the same time, dementia receives far less research funding than other major illnesses such as cancer, despite costing the UK economy an estimated £42billion a year.

Charities have also warned progress could stall further after dementia was removed from official NHS planning guidance this year, effectively signalling it should be de-prioritised.