In light of the growing popularity of Aloe vera in complementary medicine, the present study was carried out to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the inner leaf gel component of Aloe barbadensis Miller. A simple in vitro assay was used to determine the effect of the inner gel on bacterial-induced TNF-a and IL-1b concentrations. The organism used for evaluation was Shigella flexneri, as this is a significant world –wide causative agent of gastrointestinal disease. In addition, bacterial lipopolysaccharide was examined. The results showed that these pro-inflammatory cytokines were suppressed to significant (p<0.05) levels using 45mg/ml freeze-dried inner gel. A commercial product, containing 10% (v/v) of the inner gel component had a similar effect. The action of Aloe vera differed from a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen), which caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in TNF-a and IL-1b production. We therefore propose a significant basis for the therapeutic use of Aloe vera in inflammatory conditions.