2026-02-10 14:54:16

Aloe vera could one day help treat Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s – which gradually damages memory, thinking and language, and can eventually lead to hallucinations and severe confusion – is the most common cause of dementia in the UK, with it mainly affects people over 65.

Despite there currently being no cure, and existing drugs only ease symptoms for some patients, a new study has led scientists to discover that beta-sitosterol – a plant compound found mainly in the gel of aloe vera leaves – strongly interacts with two enzymes closely linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.

Beta-sitosterol has a structure similar to cholesterol and is already widely used in supplements to lower cholesterol and treat prostate symptoms.

The study, published in Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, examined how aloe-derived compounds interact with acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase – enzymes that break down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger essential for memory and learning.

In Alzheimer’s, acetylcholine levels are already low, worsening memory problems.

Drugs that slow these enzymes help preserve acetylcholine, but they can cause side effects. Aloe compounds, however, are generally well tolerated.

Meriem Khedraoui, lead author, said: “Our findings suggest that beta-sitosterol exhibits significant binding affinities and stability, making it a promising candidate for further drug development.”

The team also identified succinic acid – another compound found in aloe and commonly used in skincare – as having a favourable safety and absorption profile.

Samir Chtita, co-author, added: “The comprehensive analysis supports the potential of these compounds as safe and effective therapeutic agents.”

The research used advanced computer simulations to predict how the compounds might behave in the body, allowing scientists to screen potential treatments before laboratory testing.

Experts stress the work is still at an early stage. Lab studies and clinical trials will be needed before aloe-based treatments could reach patients.

But with around 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK – and numbers expected to soar – researchers say plant-based therapies could offer a vital new direction in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

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