Augmented humoral immune response and decreased cell-mediated immunity by Aloe vera in rats.

Objective: The present study was performed to explore the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera on parameters of humoral and cell-mediated immunity.

Materials And Methods: Delayed-type hypersensitivity was assessed by measuring foot pad thickness following sensitisation by keyhole limpet haemocyanin injection and subsequently challenged by the same. Humoral immunity was assessed by measurement of haemagglutination titre to sheep red blood cells.

Results: Aloe vera (400 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant decrease in foot pad thickness compared with the control group, and also significantly enhanced the secondary humoral immune response.

Conclusion: Thus, these findings suggest that A. vera can modulate immune response by augmenting secondary humoral immunity and decreasing cell-mediated immunity.