Sustainable Valorization of Aloe vera Skin: Development of a New Emulgel with Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Aloe vera is a renowned phytotherapeutic plant characterized by a highly dynamic chemical profile and endowed with a broad spectrum of biological activities. Industrial processing of A. vera focuses almost exclusively on the inner parenchyma (AG), discarding the epidermal tissue (AS) as waste. This study addresses the valorization of this byproduct through a comparative evaluation of the phytochemical and biological profiles of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from both AG and AS. In vitro studies revealed that AS extract exhibited better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities than AG and good wound-healing properties, driven by its rich content of anthraquinones and polyphenols. Both extracts were successfully incorporated into a mucoadhesive xanthan gum matrix to engineer an advanced emulgel with suitable viscosity for prolonged mucosal adherence in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) management. Rheological profiling against commercial references confirmed that the xanthan-AS formulation provided comparable rheological properties, fully preserving the extract's anti-inflammatory activity. Ultimately, this study highlights the pharmaceutical potential of A. vera skin, offering a sustainable strategy to transform an industrial byproduct into an innovative formulation for potential GERD management.