Abstract

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.