Scientists have found a compound in aloe vera that could provide a clue for future treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. We are talking about beta-sitosterol: according to computer calculations, it “clings” well to two enzymes that are involved in memory impairment.
In Alzheimer’s disease, the level of acetylcholine in the brain, a substance that helps nerve cells transmit signals, decreases. Two enzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), break down acetylcholine. Therefore, medications that slow down these enzymes may maintain acetylcholine and relieve symptoms in some patients.
In a study published in Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, the team tested several compounds from aloe vera using computer modeling. They assessed how tightly the molecules “sit” on AChE and BChE and how stable they are.
Beta-sitosterol was the strongest candidate, with binding rates of −8.6 kcal/mol for AChE and −8.7 kcal/mol for BChE. The scientists also made an ADMET assessment—a prediction of how a substance might be absorbed and how toxic it might be. According to calculations, beta-sitosterol has a favorable profile (as does succinic acid).
It is important to understand: this is an early stage. Everything was tested on a computer, so there are laboratory experiments and clinical trials ahead to understand whether it will work in people and whether it will be safe.
date:2026-02-09 15:34:00