FORMULATION ADVANCEMENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ALOE SPECIES AND HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA FOR CANCER SUPPORTIVE CARE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW (2010-2025)

Abdalwali Ahmed Saif, Amina El-Shaibany, Mahmoud Mahyoob Alburyhi*, Mohammed Abbas Hamidaddin, Maged Alwan Noman

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer supportive care relies on managing symptoms, mitigating treatment side effects, and improving patient quality of life. Herbal supplements containing antioxidant-rich and immunomodulatory botanicals are increasingly integrated into oncological care. Objective: To systematically review the pharmaceutical formulation development and pharmacological evaluations of Aloe species and Hibiscus sabdariffa from 2010 to 2025, establishing a scientific foundation for their use in cancer supportive care. Methods: A detailed literature review was conducted analyzing solid dosage formulations, microencapsulation technologies, and extraction optimizations, alongside in vitro and in vivo evaluations of anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Discussion: Advanced formulation strategies—including sustained-release matrix tablets, cross-linked hydrogels, and nanoencapsulation—have successfully overcome the physical limitations and instability of Aloe and Hibiscus extracts. Pharmacologically, Aloe species demonstrate profound immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, while acting as potent bioenhancers. Conversely, Hibiscus sabdariffa exhibits direct cytotoxic effects, inducing apoptosis via AMPK activation and generating targeted oxidative stress in cancer cells, alongside significant synergistic antitumor efficacy when combined with conventional chemotherapeutics. Conclusion: The integration of modern pharmaceutical formulation technologies with the potent pharmacological activities of Aloe and Hibiscus extracts yields highly stable, bioavailable, and efficacious herbal supplements. These standardized botanical therapies hold immense promise for enhancing comprehensive cancer supportive care.

Keywords: Cancer Supportive Care; Aloe vera; Hibiscus sabdariffa; Pharmaceutical Formulation; Microencapsulation; Phytopharmacology.