Abstract
Biotic elicitors such as Aloe vera extract (ALE) have been shown to stimulate growth and modify the bioactive composition of various plant species. ALE has a unique mixture of nutrients that support plant production and growth. In this study, the bio-stimulative effects of ALE foliar spray on plant production and growth, silybin levels, and chalcone synthase gene expression in Silybum marianum were examined. The findings indicated that foliar spray of all the ALE concentrations under study increased plant growth and yield. Additionally, by raising the silybin level of the plant extract, ALE increased the therapeutic value of S. marianum. Further, the activation of the chalcone synthase gene by ALE was analyzed by gene expression research. S. marianum's growth and production were improved by the application of 60 mL/L ALE, while the silybin level and the chalcone synthase gene expression levels were improved by the application of 40 mL/L ALE. In addition, methanolic fruit extract that contained a higher silybin content also demonstrated a higher anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.