Anti-inflammatory and protective effects of Aloe vera on intestinal function in zebrafish

Aloe vera and its polysaccharides can reduce inflammation and support intestinal barrier repair, offering potential benefits for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using a zebrafish model of TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera gel (Aloe-S0) and its polysaccharide-rich fraction (APS-CPIC). Transcriptomic analysis was performed to explore mechanisms of action. Aloe-S0 and APS-CPIC reduced inflammation and mucosal damage, enhanced goblet cell numbers, restored the mucus barrier, and improved intestinal motility. Mechanistically, treatment downregulated pro-inflammatory genes (prkcq, sfmbt1, tyk2) and upregulated jag2b. Protein expression changes (reduced PRKCQ, SFMBT1, TYK2; increased JAG2) supported these findings. Aloe-S0 and APS-CPIC exert protective effects against intestinal inflammation in zebrafish, highlighting their therapeutic potential for IBD.