The Potential of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) as a Natural Antioxidant

Abstract

The researchers searched for a plant that can be used as an antioxidant that is suitable for our lifestyle. It could help cleanse our body with a good replacement of natural vitamins and minerals that can help our body to be more efficient and healthy every day.

The study used the experimental method of research. The hypothesis that there is a significant difference between Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) and the positive control as an antioxidant was rejected. In this experimental research, a variety of reagent and laboratory equipment were utilized to perform different laboratory tests such as the phytochemical screening of Aloe Vera leaves to test the presence of some active constituents of the plant and the antioxidant activity test for the Dipphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazil (DPPH) assay. After a series of phytochemical screening, it was found that the extract of plant Aloe Vera leaves had alkaloids, Flavonoids, Active Glycosides, tannin and phenolic compounds. These chemicals are proven to be useful as antioxidants. Hence, after the phytochemical screening was done, the Dipphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazil (DPPH) assay laboratory trial confirms the antioxidant activity of the Aloe Vera plant. The result was treated statistically using a weighted mean to determine what dosage of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) leaf extract exhibited antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay, based on the inverse relationship between the absorbance reading and antioxidant activity. It has been observed that 2,500 mcg has the greatest antioxidant activity with the mean absorbance reading of (0.020).

The laboratory tests were done at Virgin Milagrosa University Foundation, College of Pharmacy Laboratory, San Carlos City, Pangasinan. One way ANOVA is used to determine the significant difference between the Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) and the control variable of ascorbic acid. The result shows that there is no significant difference between the antioxidant activity of Aloe Vera and the ascorbic acid as a positive control. Therefore, the researchers found that Aloe Vera has the same antioxidant effect as500mg of ascorbic acid. The implication of this study is that the Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) has natural chemical components that have an anti-oxidant effect as with the ascorbic acid.