Abstract

Background: Aloe vera has long been used as a medicinal plant in the preparation of various gels, lotions and ointments besides its use in various food products. 

Methodology: The present study was carried out at the Plants Genetics Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. For the purpose of this study, an indigenous variety of Aloe vera was taken along with probiotics culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus helveticus. Aloe vera gel matrix was separated from outer cortex of leaves and media were prepared for the growth of respective probiotics cultures. Aloe vera was used in each probiotic culture against two pathogenic strains, i.e E. coli and S. aureus. In one plate, tryptone was replaced by 1% Aloe vera extract, while 0.5% and 1% Aloe vera extracts were added to other two plates. All the three probiotic cultures were separately inoculated in test tubes, which were incubated at 370C for 24 hours. 

Results: After incubation of 24 hours, plates were observed on the next day for the measurement of inhibition zones. Strong to medium zones of inhibition were formed against E. coli and S. aureus for all three probiotic cultures when 1% Aloe vera extract was used. 

Conclusions: This study revealed that the indigenous variety of Aloe vera exhibited significant anti microbial properties.