Acemannan
Acemannan is a -isomer mucopolysaccharide in aloe vera leaves. This compound has potential immunostimulant, antiviral, antineoplastic, and gastrointestinal properties. Chemical structure and properties. Acemannan's monomer is mannoacetate linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. This polymer is hydrophilic. Immunostimulant properties. Acemannan has been demonstrated to induce macrophages to secrete interferon (IFN), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1); therefore, it might help to prevent or abrogate viral infection. These three cytokines are known to cause inflammation, and interferon is released in response to viral infections. "In vitro" studies have shown acemannan to inhibit HIV replication; however, "in vivo