Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) gel extract enhances the immune response and tissue regeneration in the zebrafish...

Aquaculture is one of the world's major food-producing industries; however, intensive farming conditions expose fish to multiple stressors that impair immune function and tissue regeneration, increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Therefore, sustainable strategies to enhance wound healing and fish health are needed. This study evaluated the regenerative and immunomodulatory potential of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel using zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae subjected to tail tip amputation. Aloe vera was administered by immersion and dietary supplementation before and/or after injury. Regenerative and immune responses were assessed by quantifying leukocyte recruitment, analyzing the expression of genes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue regeneration, and evaluating larval growth and skin mucus-producing cells. Aloe vera enhanced leukocyte recruitment and significantly improved tissue regeneration following injury. These effects were accompanied by modulation of innate immune markers (il1b, mpx, mpeg1.1, and cox-2a) and antioxidant defense genes (sod1, sod2, and gpx1a). Dietary supplementation with aloe vera also alleviated the detrimental effects of an inflammatory plant protein-based diet on regeneration, promoted larval growth, and increased both the number and size of skin goblet cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that aloe vera enhances immune function, antioxidant responses, tissue repair, and mucosal protection, supporting its potential as a natural functional additive to improve fish health and welfare in aquaculture.