Volume 13, Issue 1, March – April 2012; Article-010 ISSN 0976 – 044X
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Page
59
Available online at
Urvashi Nandal, R.L. Bhardwaj*
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirohi, Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University, Udaipur –313001, (Raj.) India.
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: rajubhardwaj3@gmail.com
Accepted on: 03-10-2011; Finalized on: 20-02-2012.
ABSTRACT
Aloe vera is a wonder plant with health benefits so myriad and astounding that hardly any part of human body remains uninfluenced
by its healing touch. It acts as a natural fighter against all sorts of infection, an efficient anti-oxidant, helps in treating all digestion
related problems, heartburn, arthritis, stress, diabetes, rheumatism pain, asthma, cancer, AIDS. It also acts as a laxative, beauty
enhancer and studies have shown that it has an effect on lowering blood sugar levels in diabetics. Aloe has been proved to be a
plant of amazing medicinal properties through researchers. The medicinal value of the plant is recognized since centuries because of
the gel like pulp obtained by peeling its leaves. Its juice has cooling properties, is anabolic in action, a fighter of ‘pitta’, storehouse of
phytochemicals and guards against fever, skin diseases, burns, ulcers, boils eruptions etc. Commercially, aloe can be found in pills,
sprays, ointments, lotions, liquids, drinks, jellies, and creams, to name a few of the thousands of products available. In the present
scenario, the aloe industry is blooming but the consumers are misguided leading to unfavourable outcome due to reasons like
unawareness about its proper and adequate medicinal and health value, improper marketing and unavailability of processing units
at farmer’s level, misleading hyped advertisement in cosmetic and health products. So, there is a burning need to educate about the
importance of Aloe vera for human race and popularize it for greater interest.
Keywords: Aloe vera, Antioxidant, Laxative, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Phytochemicals.
INTRODUCTION
General description of Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a hardy, perennial, tropical, drought-resistant,
succulent plant belonging to the Liliaceae family which,
historically has been used for a variety of medicinal
purposes. It has a vast traditional role in indigenous
system of medicine like ayurveda, siddha, unani and
homeopathy. Clinical evaluations have revealed that the
pharmacological active ingredients are concentrated in
both the gel and rind of the Aloe vera leaves. Aloe vera is
a stem less or very short-stemmed plant growing to 60–
100 cm height, spreading by offsets. Mature plants can be
grown as tall as four feet with average height around 26-
28 inches. Each plant has 12 to 16 leaves usually and
weighs up to 2-3 kg on maturity. The plants can be
harvested after every 6 to 8 weeks by removing 3-4
leaves per plant. It produces erect unbranched flowering
stalks in the second year in winter season, which grows
90-150 cm tall. It bears bright yellow and orange flowers,
which are arranged in auxiliary spike
1, 2
. It bears thick
fleshy leaves in rosette, which gives it a distinct
appearance. The leaves are green to grey-green, with
some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and
lower stem surfaces
3
. The margin of the leaf is serrated
and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in
summer on a spike up to 90 cm height, each flower
pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm long
3
.
Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular
mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows better access of the
plant to mineral nutrients in soil
4
.
Distribution of Aloe vera
Aloe vera is popularly known as Aloe barbadensis by
taxonomists. It is being used since 1750 BC by
Mesopotamians and Egyptians
5
. The Arabic word alloeh
means shining and bitter
6
. The virtues of Aloe vera have
been recorded for thousands of years by many ancient
civilization including Egypt, Persia, Greek, India and
Africa
7
. The genus is indigenous to African continent and
Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Southern
Italy. It is reported that it grows wild on the islands of
Cyprus, Malta, Sicily, the Canary Cape, Cape Veroe and
have spread over arid tracts of India. Out of the 275
species, 42 of them belong to Madagascar region (Africa),
12-15 to Arabian Peninsula and rest are distributed over
tropical South Africa. In India, only 4 species (Aloe
forbesii, Aloe inermis, Aloe ferox and Aloe barbadensis)
are reported to occur and of these Aloe barbadensis is the
most widely distributed species. These taxa comprises of
several varieties, viz., officinalis, chinensis, litoralis and
their cross. The species has a number of synonyms: A.
barbadensis Mill., Aloe indica Royle, Aloe perfoliata L. var.
vera and A. vulgaris Lam.
8,9
and common names including
Chinese aloe, Indian aloe, True aloe, Barbados aloe, Burn
aloe, First aid plant
10-13
. The species name vera means
"true" or "genuine"
13
. Some literature identifies the white
spotted form of Aloe vera as Aloe vera var. chinensis,
14, 15
however, the species varies widely with regard to leaf
spots
1
and it has been suggested that the spotted form of
Aloe vera may be nonspecific with A. massawana
16
. The
species was introduced to China and various parts of
southern Europe in the 17
th
century
17
. The species is
widely naturalized elsewhere, occurring in temperate and
tropical regions of Australia, Barbados, Belize, Nigeria,
ALOE VERA
:
A VALUABLE WONDER PLANT FOR
FOOD, MEDICINE AND COSMETIC USE
-
A REVIEW
Review
Article
Volume 13, Issue 1, March – April 2012; Article-010 ISSN 0976 – 044X
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Page
60
Available online at
Paraguay and the US
18
. It has been suggested that the
actual species distribution is the result of human
cultivation and that the taxonomy could be doubtful
too
16
.
Nutritional properties of Aloe vera
An analysis of Aloe vera reveals some of the magic behind
its miraculous healing powers. The plant contains a
multitude of essential vitamins and minerals such as:
Vitamins A, B
1
, B
2
, B
3
, B
6
, B
12
, C, E, folic acid, choline,
calcium, phosphorous, potassium, iron, sodium,
magnesium, manganese, copper, chromium, and zinc.
Aloe also contains a wealth of amino acids: isoleucine,
leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine,
valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine,
cystine, glycine, histidine, hydroxyproline, proline, serine,
and tyrosine
19
. It produces at least 6 antiseptic agents
which kill or control mold, bacteria, fungus and viruses:
Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid,
phenols and sulfur. Lupeol and salicylic acid are known as
effective painkillers. Aloe also contains three anti-
inflammatory fatty acids: cholesterol, campersterol and β-
sitosterol (plant sterols). These agents are the source for
aloe’s effectiveness in treating all kinds of internal and
external inflammations including burns, cuts, scrapes,
acid indigestion, ulcers and other inflammations of the
liver, kidney, colon and pancreas, among others.
Additionally, β-sitosterol is a powerful agent in helping to
lower bad cholesterol levels. Finally, aloe contains at least
23 polypeptides (immune stimulators), which can help to
explain aloe’s potency in helping to control a broad
spectrum of immune system diseases. Free
monosaccharides consisted of D-mannose and D-glucose
in a molar ratio of 5:4 and trace amounts of xylose,
rhamnose, galactose and either arabinose or fucose was
found. Mannose 6 phosphate is a major sugar component
in Aloe vera
20
. Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active
constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin,
saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids
21
.
Additional minerals found in Aloe vera include copper
(important for red blood cells, skin and hair pigment), iron
(involved in oxygen transportation and making of
hemoglobin in red blood cells), potassium (helps in fluid
balance), phosphorus (helps in building bones and teeth,
assists in metabolism and maintains body pH) and sodium
(regulates body liquids, helps in nerve and muscle
performance, and helps in delivering nutrients to body
cells)
22
. Aloe vera also contains the trace minerals
rhodium and iridium used in cancer and tumor research
experiments
22
. Another component of Aloe vera consists
of the lignins, a major structural material of cellulose
content that is helpful for penetrative properties and
beneficial for skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
Aloe vera, an anti-oxidant rich plant, contains vitamins
such as A, C and E acting as natural antioxidant along with
the minerals zinc and selenium. Anti-oxidants help boost
the immune system and combat free radicals in the body.
These free radical fighters get rid of the toxins and
carcinogenic elements in human bodies from the
pollution and poor quality foods
22
.
Table 1: Chemical composition and properties of Aloe vera
31
Constituents
Number and identification
Properties and activity
Amino acids
Provides 20 of the 22 required amino acids and 7
of the 8 essential ones.
Basic building blocks of proteins in the body and
muscle tissues
20
.
Anthraquinones
Provides aloe emodin, aloetic acid, alovin,
anthracine
Analgesic, antibacterial
Enzymes
Anthranol, barbaloin, chrysophanic acid, smodin,
ethereal oil, ester of cinnamonic acid,
isobarbaloin, resistannol
Antifungal & antiviral activity but toxic at high
concentrations.
Hormones
Auxins and gibberellins
Wound healing and anti
-
inflammatory.
Minerals
Calcium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese,
potassium, sodium and zinc.
Essential for good health.
Salicyclic acid
Aspirin like compounds
Analgesic
Saponins
Glycosides
Cleansing & antiseptic
Steroids
Cholesterol, campesterol, lupeol, sistosterol
Anti
-
inflammatory agents, lupenol has antiseptic
and analgesic properties.
Sugars
Monosaccharides: Glucose and Fructose
Polysaccharides: Glucomannans/polymannose
Anti
-
viral, immune modulating activity of
acemannan
Vitamins
A, B, C, E, choline, B
12
, folic acid
Antioxidant (A,C,E)
,
neutralises free
radicals
Phyto-chemical properties of Aloe vera
The aloe plant contains flavonoids, terpenoids, lectins,
23,24
fatty acids, cholesterol, anthraquinones, chromones (8-C-
glucosyl-7-O-methylaloediol, 8-C-glucosyl-noreugenin,
isoaloeresin-D, iso-rabaichromone, neoaloesin-A)
25,26
mono and polysaccharides (pectins, hemicelluloses,
glucomannan, acemannan and mannose derivatives),
27,28
tannins, sterols (lupeol, campesterol and β sitosterol),
salicylic acid, organic acids, enzymes, saponins, vitamins,
minerals,
29
aloin, anthrone, aloe emodin (3-
hydroxylmethyl-chrysazin), aloetinic acid, choline and
choline salicylate, complex mucopolysaccharides similar
to hyaluronic acid, sapogenins and enzymes such as
catalase, amylase, cellulase and alliinase.
Volume 13, Issue 1, March – April 2012; Article-010 ISSN 0976 – 044X
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Aloe vera leaves contain a range of biologically active
compounds, the best-studied being acetylated mannans,
polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones and
anthraquinones, and various lectins
23,24,30
. The ten main
areas of chemical constituents of Aloe vera include:
amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, minerals,
vitamins, lignins, monosaccharide, polysaccharides,
salicylic acid, saponins, and sterols
11
. It is also reported
that the main enzymes found in Aloe vera include
amylase (breaks down sugars and starches), bradykinase
(stimulates immune system, analgesic, anti-
inflammatory), catalase (prevents accumulation of water
in the body), cellulase (aids cellulose digestion), lipase
(aids fat digestion), oxidase, alkaline phosphatase,
proteolytiase (hydrolyses proteins into their constituent
elements), creatine phosphokinase (aids metabolism),
and carboxypeptidase
11, 31
. Other constituents of Aloe
vera would include prostaglandins, tannins, magnesium
lactate, resins, mannins, proteins such as lectins,
monosulfonic acid and gibberellins
22
.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food-
Hippocrates”
Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in several
cultures for millennia: Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico,
Japan, and China
32
. The Egyptians used the Aloe vera to
make papyrus like scrolls as well as for treatment of
tuberculosis
33
. Various preparation of Aloe barbadensis
like confection, lotion and juice are useful remedies for
curing various disease
34
. Aloe contains mixture of
glucosides collectively called ‘aloin’ which is the active
constituent of various drugs. Indian aloe (Aloe
barbadensis) is a rich source of over 200 naturally
occurring nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, sugars,
amino acids, enzymes and acids, which helps in digestion
system. The peeled, fresh and preserved gel is used to
treat inflammed eyes, skin inflammations of sores and
burns. The healing properties of aloe are due to the
presence of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune
system. The products (Aloe vera juice, Aloe vera jelly, Aloe
vera pickle, Aloe vera sarbat, Aloe vera gel, Aloe vera
glycerin, Aloe vera body lotion, Aloe vera shampoo, Aloe
vera fairness cream, Aloe vera hair gel, Aloe vera pimple
gel etc.) prepared from aloe leaves have multiple
properties such as emollient, purgative, anti-bacterial,
anti- oxidant, anti- fungal, anti- septic and cosmetic. The
Food and Drug Administration of the USA has approved
the developmental study of Aloe vera for the treatment
of cancer and AIDS. This is attributed to the anti-viral and
immune modulating properties of acemannan.
Traditionally aloe is extensively used in treating urine
related problems, pimples, ulcers etc. It is also used in
gerontology and rejuvenation of aging skin. The juice of
Aloe vera leaves is used as stomachic tonic and purgative.
Scientific evidence for the cosmetic and therapeutic
effectiveness of Aloe vera is limited and when present is
frequently contradictory
35, 36
. Despite this, the cosmetic
and alternative medicine industries regularly make claims
regarding the soothing, moisturizing, and healing
properties of Aloe vera, especially via internet
advertising
23, 37
. Aloe vera gel is used as an ingredient in
commercially available lotion, yogurt, beverages, and
some desserts
38, 39
. The bio active compounds are used as
astringent, haemostatic, anti diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-
septic, antibacterial, anti- inflammatory, antioxidant and
anticancer agent also, effective in treating stomach
ailments, gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases,
constipation, radiation injury, wound healing, burns,
dysentery, diarrhoea and in the treatment of skin
diseases
40
. Currently the plant is widely used in skin care,
cosmetics and as nutraceuticals
41
. Ghritkumari is
described as multi functional herb in Ayurveda as blood
purifier, anti inflammatory, diuretic, uterine tonic,
spermatogenic, laxative and fever reliever. It is used in
ayurvedic formulations as appetite-stimulant, purgative,
emmenogogue and antihelminthic, for treating cough,
colds, piles, debility, dyspnoea, asthma and jaundice
20
.
Co-treatment with Aloe vera was effective in reducing
genotoxicity of the direct-acting mutagen
42
. As a drink it
protects the mucous membrane of the stomach especially
when irritated or damaged. A. vera juice is considered
helpful for relieving many types of gastrointestinal
irritation and juice products are widely available
43
. Aloe
vera act against various micro-organisms and increases in
total white blood cell count and macrophages. In acute
gastric mucosal lesions, the extract dose dependently
inhibits gastric acid secretion and provides gastro
protective activity
20
. Aloe vera contains salicylic acid
which is an aspirin-like compound with anti-
inflammatory, analgesic and anti-bacterial properties. It
has anti-pyretic properties for reducing fevers.
Another constituent of Aloe vera includes saponins. These
are soapy substances from the gel that are capable of
cleansing and having antiseptic properties. The saponins
perform strongly as anti-microbial against bacteria,
viruses, fungi and yeasts
44
. The plant sterols or phyto-
steroids in Aloe vera include cholesterol, campesterol,
lupeol, and β-sitosterol.
The plant steroids have fatty
acids in them that have antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-
inflammatory properties
45
. Aloe vera contains properties
such as: astringent (causing a contraction of the skin,
blood vessels, and other tissues stopping the fluid
discharge), emollient (helps to soften and smooth the
skin), antifungal (destroys fungi), and cell proliferant
(quickly regrows new cells) used to heal wounds and
burns
46
.
Generally aloe juice is a good tonic for skin and digestive
disorders
46
. The enzymes in Aloe vera will improve
digestion and nutrient absorption. It will help bring the
body to a pH balance while being beneficial to the whole
gastro-intestinal system. Aloe vera sooths indigestion, IBS,
colitis and stomach acidity
22
. Aloe vera juice aids the
digestion and absorption of nutrients, helps control blood
sugar, increases energy production, promotes
cardiovascular health, improves liver function, and boosts
Volume 13, Issue 1, March – April 2012; Article-010 ISSN 0976 – 044X
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the immune system. The pulp is used extensively in
Siddha medicines for treating constipation, enlargement
of spleen, zymotic disease and chengamaari
47
. The plant
was more active as a gastroprotective agent at lower
concentration against mucosal injury
48
.
Aloe vera was evaluated on the mycellium development
of Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and
Colletotrichum coccodes, that showed an inhibitory effect
of the pulp of A. vera on F. oxysporum at 104 µl l−1 and
the liquid fraction reduced the rate of colony growth at a
concentration of 105 µl 1−1 in R. solani, F. oxysporum,
and C. coccodes
49, 50
. It is also reported that the aloe juice
have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic activity,
antibacterial and hypoglycaemic effects
51
. For bacteria,
inner-leaf gel from Aloe vera was shown to inhibit growth
of Streptococcus and Shigella species in vitro
52
. The aloe
gel inhibited the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes
(20.0 mm), while the leaf possesses inhibitory effects on
both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans
53
. In
contrast, Aloe vera extracts failed to show antibiotic
properties against Xanthomonas species
54
. Other uses for
extracts of Aloe vera include the dilution of semen for the
artificial fertilization of sheep,
55
used as fresh food
preservative
56
and used in water conservation in small
farms
57
.
Aloe vera improves digestive system
Aloe vera juice is useful to treat gastric intestinal
problems like indigestion, candida, colitis and relief from
digestive issues such as heartburn and irritable bowel
syndrome, although it bears significant potential to be
toxic when taken orally
58
. Constipation, diarrhea,
indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome etc. are cured by
the flushing action of Aloe vera juice. The deposits of
toxins and un-wanted substances in our diet keeps on
accumulating in intestine and prevent the absorption of
essential nutrients causing nutritional deficiency,
lethargy, constipation, and low back ache. Aloe juice
helps to flush out these residues boosting the digestion
and gives a greater feeling of well being. A. vera gel and
leaf is used to relieve many types of gastrointestinal
irritations
43, 59
. Preliminary studies have suggested oral
Aloe vera gel may reduce symptoms and inflammation in
patients with ulcerative colitis
60
. The anti-inflammatory
actions of Aloe vera gel in vitro provide support for the
effect in inflammatory bowel disease
61
. The dried juice is
an important ingredient of a large number of Ayurvedic
preparations, particularly for treating disease associated
with the digestive system
62
.
Aloe vera helps to heal wounds
Wound healing is a dynamic process, occurring in 3
phases. The first phase is inflammation, hyperaemia and
leukocyte infiltration. The second phase consists of
removal of dead tissue. The third phase of proliferation
consisting of epithelial regeneration and formation of
fibrous tissue
63
. Aloe vera is often called the “Natural
healer”. Aloe gel is excellent for healing first degree
burns, relieves inflammation and accelerates healing. The
aloe gel stimulates cell division due to presence of wound
healing hormones. Aloe vera gel has anti- bacterial, anti-
fungal, anti- viral and antiseptic properties and helps to
heal minor wounds. Aloe vera juice when taken orally
enhances immunity and increases cell repair capacity by
inhibiting infestation of micro-organisms. It reduces
painful effects of shingles, reduces symptoms of psoriasis
and eases heartburns and ulcers. Aloe vera has high water
content (96%). This prevents wound desiccation and
increases migration of epithelial cells
64
. The
microcirculation of wound is enhanced by aloe, through
increasing oxygenation. The catecholamines have wound
retardant effect. Aloe blocks action of catecholamines,
thus increases epithelisation
65
. Aloe vera increases
vascularisation of the wound, which removes the dead
tissue and makes wound healthy
66
. Aloe may also
increase cross linking of collagen and collagenisation by
stimulating macrophage cytokine production and
acemmannan acts as a macrophage stimulator
31
. Aloe
vera may also block some wound healing inhibitors like
sterols and amino acids through the growth factors
present in it
66
. The ascorbic acid in Aloe vera enhances
the synthesis of collagen and counter balances collagen
breakdown
67
. Further studies have shown that Aloe vera
is used for treatment of herpes simplex infection, lichen
planes, gingivitis
68-70
. The healing effect of aloe results
from its ability to prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and
promote healing of injured tissues
20
.
Aloe gel is perhaps the most widely recognized herbal
remedy in the United States today; it is used to relieve
thermal burn, sunburn and promote wound healing
43
. It is
also effective in wound healing due to the presence of
some components like anthraquinones and hormones,
66,71,72
which posses antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral
activities. Evidence on the effects of its sap on wound
healing, however, is limited and contradictory
72
. Some
studies, for example, show that Aloe vera promotes the
rates of healing
66,73
while, in contrast, other studies show
that wounds to which Aloe vera gel was applied were
significantly slower to heal than those treated with
conventional medical preparations
74
. A more recent
review concludes that the cumulative evidence supports
the use of Aloe vera for the healing of first to second
degree burns
75
and helps to remove skin disorders of all
kinds
76
due to anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and analgesic
properties
44
. The anthraquinones in Aloe vera breakup
residue, pus and lifeless cells, bring blood to the region
and flush out material from the wounds and ulcers
44
. It is
also used in variety of skin ailments such as mild cuts,
insect stings, bruises, poison ivy and eczema. It has
antibacterial and antifungal qualities, and increases blood
flow to wounded areas. It stimulates fibroblasts, the skin
cells responsible for wound healing and the manufacture
of collagen, the protein that controls the aging process of
the skin and wrinkling
20
. Aloe vera is now widely used on
face tissues, where it is promoted as a moisturizer and
anti-irritant to reduce chafing of the nose of users who
suffer hay fever or cold
77
.
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Aloe vera protector of human immune system
Aloe vera helps to improve immunity and protects heart,
brain and other vital organs of body.The whole leaf
extract galvanizes the cells of immune system. The
phagocytes of human body increase their scavenging
activities, thus cleaning the body and giving a whole
cascade of protective actions, which strengthen
immunity. Aloe vera, a great immune stimulant, contains
90 per cent rhodium and iridium (trace minerals) in the
acemannan which is one of the polysaccharides which
dramatically increases the white blood cells or
macrophages and T cells.
The most important are the long chain polysaccharides,
comprising glucose and mannose, known as the gluco-
mannans. The polysaccharides are absorbed completely
and appear in the blood stream unchanged hence they
act as immunomodulators
78, 79
. The bitter aloes consist of
free anthraquinones and their derivative: barbaloin, aloe-
emodin-9-anthrone, isobarbaloin, anthrone-C-glycosides
and chromones. In large amounts these compounds exert
a powerful purgative effect, but when taken in smaller
amounts they appear to aid absorption from the gut, are
potent antimicrobial agents
80, 81
and possess powerful
analgesic effects. They also reduce the formation of
melanin and any tendency to hyper-pigmentation
82, 83
.
Lignin with their penetrative ability facilitates to carry
other active ingredients deep into the skin to nourish the
dermis
84
. Aloe vera extracts when consumed (150 mg/kg
and 300 mg/kg) respectively for 5 days, there was a
significant increase in the total white blood cell count and
macrophages with the engulfed SRBC with increase in
concentration. This shows the immunomodulatory
property of the extract
85
.
Davis (1997) in his experiment sees a promising role for
this natural broad spectrum healing plant because of its
immunodulatory properties can also act as an immune
stimulant
71
. Acemannan, a chemical compound found in
Aloe vera acts as a powerful immunostimulant in animals,
particularly in cats
86
.
The Aloe vera gel polysaccharide can boost the working of
the macrophages in the intestines allowing the immune
system to improving the activity of T-Lymphocytes by up
to 50 per cent for penetrate the bad bacteria, viruses,
tumor cells and various pathogens
22, 27,49
.
Aloe vera in arthritis
Aloe vera juice plays a very important role in treating
arthritis patients. Aloe juice is a stimulant to the immune
system due to presence of different enzymes. It is a
powerful anti-inflammatory agent, analgesic, is able to
speed up cell growth, thus it repairs arthritis damaged
tissue. Aloe vera juice when taken orally and applied
externally helps in repair process by regenerating cell and
detoxifying the affected area. Aloe vera is believed to
reduce severe joint and muscle pain associated with
arthritis, as well as pain related to tendonitis and injuries.
When applied directly to the area of pain, Aloe vera
penetrates the skin to soothe the pain. Studies have also
found that ingestion of Aloe vera on a daily basis can help
prevent and cause a regression of adjutant arthritis
20, 22, 40,
46
.
Aloe vera fights stress
In the modern scenario many people suffer from stress.
Today’s fast stressful life causes some bio- chemical and
physiological changes in the body, making us susceptible
to diseases and dysfunction of organ systems. Aloe juice
is helpful in smooth functioning of the body machinery
2
. It
reduces cell-damaging process during stress condition
and minimizes bio-chemical and physiological changes in
the body
20
. Oxidative stress refers to chemical reactions
in which compounds have their oxidative state changed.
In the simplest case, oxidation describes the loss of
electrons by a molecule, which then becomes what are
termed as free radicals. This result in a pro oxidative shift
in cellular balance which has been implicated in the cause
of many serious diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular
diseases such as hypertension and artherosclerosis,
neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease
and Alzheimer's dementias, diabetes, ischemia/
reperfusion injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, and even the
process of aging. However, nature has evolved elegant
regulatory mechanisms for countering this free radical
damage. These primarily involve antioxidant reducing
agents that can slow or stop oxidation reaction. Some
antioxidants are part of the body's natural regulating
machinery while other dietary antioxidants are derived
from diet sources. Aloe vera is an excellent example of a
functional food that plays a significant role in protection
from oxidative stress
20, 22, 43, 87
.
Aloe vera and cancer
Aloe vera juice enables the body to heal it self from
cancer and also from the damage caused by radio and
chemotherapy that destroys healthy immune cells crucial
for the recovery. Aloe vera acts as radiation protectors
and inhibits testicular damage from gamma radiation and
reduces cancer. Aloe vera leaf contains anthraquinones,
saccharides, vitamin E and C, zinc, enzymes, acetyl
salicyclic and others. Acemannan is the major
carbohydrate fraction obtained from Aloe vera leaf. This
fraction promotes wound healing, has antiviral,
anticancer and immune stimulation effect
31
. Compounds
extracted from Aloe vera have been used as an
immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and
dogs
30
. Aloe vera emodin, an anthraquinone, has the
ability to suppress or inhibit the growth of malignant
cancer cells making it to have antineoplastic properties
88
.
Aloe vera and diabetes
Type II diabetes is one of the leading causes of death
worldwide
89
. Studies have shown that diabetics appear to
have decreased antioxidant defense capability with lower
levels of specific antioxidants such as vitamin C and E or
reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes
89
. Researchers
have found that aloe plant polysaccharides have the
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potential to control blood sugar, stimulate the body’s
own antioxidant production and even lower cholesterol
89
.
It lowers glucose and tri-glycoside levels in diabetic
patients. Aloe polysaccharides improve the property of
immune cells and are also very effective to eliminate
waste and other toxins. Aloe vera juice enhances
absorption of nutrients and maintains the sugar balance
in blood by improving digestive functioning. Aloe vera
may enhance the action of the drugs or herbal
preparations used with insulin for a diabetic
45
. Aloe vera
extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and
burn healing, minor skin infections, sebaceous cyst,
diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans
23
.
Aloe vera and hepatitis
Oral use of aloe juice helps in maintaining and restoring
stomach acid balance, beneficial for liver, helps in
recovery of chronic hepatitis patients. In addition to
topical use in wound or burn healing, internal intake of
Aloe vera has been linked in preliminary research with
improved blood glucose levels in diabetics,
90, 91
with lower
blood lipids in hyperlipidaemic patients,
92
and it is also
associated with acute hepatitis (liver disease)
93
. The fresh
juice obtained from the cut bases of the leaves is
cathartic and cooling and used to treat liver, spleen and
muscular pain
94, 95
.
Aloe vera in heart disease
Aloe vera juice taken by angina pectoris patient’s results
in marked reduction of serum cholesterol and tri-
glycosides levels and increases HDL levels. Researchers
have found that Aloe vera easily stimulates the fibroblasts
for making new tissues. When fibroblasts are stimulated,
proteoglycans, collagens are formed and thus risk of
cardio vascular disorders decreases. However, studies
suggest that the ingestion of Aloe vera gel may have a
beneficial effect to the accumulation of blood lipids
associated with the disease. Test groups given Aloe vera
showed a decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride,
phospholipids and nonesterified fatty acid levels, each of
which, when elevated, seem to accelerate the
accumulation of fatty material in large and medium sized
arteries, including the coronary arteries of the heart
20, 46
.
Aloe vera and AIDS
Acemannan present in Aloe vera juice is having anti-viral
and immune-modulating properties. A daily dose of
minimum 1200 mg of active ingredients of Aloe vera
showed substantial improvement in AIDS symptoms. Its
healing powers extend to soothing internal wounds and
burns such as the damage done to the internal organs by
high-potency drugs of AIDS. Aloe vera contains gluco-
mannan, a special complex polysaccharide composed
largely of the sugar mannose. It interacts with special cell-
surface receptors on those cells which repair damaged
tissues, called fibroblasts, stimulating them, activating
their faster growth and replication. An extract of
mannose, one of the sugars in Aloe vera can inhibit HIV-1,
the virus associated with AIDS. Researchers found that
Aloe vera stimulates the body’s immune system,
particularly T4 helper cells – white blood cells that
activate the immune response to infection. The medicinal
uses of Aloe vera extend to protection against radiation
burns
96
. Acemannan improves cellular metabolism by
normalizing cellular function and regulating the flow of
nutrients and wastes in and out of the cells. In some AIDS
patients, it even protected the immune system from the
toxic side effects of AZT
45
. Carrington Laboratories in the
United States have separated the acemannan from Aloe
vera. The product is sold as “Carrisyn” and is being used
for treatment of AIDS and Feline leukemia
45
.
BEAUTY CARE PROPERTIES
Aloin and its gel are used as skin tonic against pimples.
Aloe vera is also used for soothing the skin, and keeping
the skin moist to help avoid flaky scalp and skin in harsh
and dry weather. Aloe vera may also be used as a
moisturizer for oily skin. Studies show that Aloe vera
improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the
removal of dead skin cells and has an effective
penetrating ability that helps transport healthy
substances through the skin. Each of these factors makes
Aloe vera an ideal ingredient in cosmetic and
dermatological products. In fact, Aloe vera is currently
one of the most important ingredients in the cosmetics
industry, being utilized in over 95 per cent of the
dermatologically valuable extracts manufactured
worldwide. The aloe sugars are also used in moisturizing
preparations
22
. Mixed with selected essential oils, it
makes an excellent skin smoothening moisturizer, sun
block lotion plus a whole range of beauty products. Due
to its soothing and cooling qualities, Maharishi ayurveda
recommends Aloe vera for a number of skin problems
20
.
Aloe vera extracts have antibacterial and antifungal
activities, which may help in the treatment of minor skin
infections, such as boils and benign skin cysts and have
been shown to inhibit the growth of fungi that cause
tinea
97
.
COMMODITY USE
The leaves of Aloe are also eaten as vegetable. Pickle
made by small pieces of leaf pad is a common preparation
in western Rajasthan
2
. The immature flower stalk that are
completely free from bitter content, are also used for
vegetable purpose. Fresh fleshy leaf pad is a part of green
salad and helpful in treatment of indigestion and
constipation. Sharma and Goel (2002) standardized the
recipes of various aloe product viz., vegetable, pickles,
laddo, jam, squash, biscuits and churna by using sensory
evaluation technique
98
. Saroj and Purohit (2004)
standardized the recipe for preparation of some culinary
products from sweet type Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)
62
. It
helps to cure diabetes, ulcer, and heart disease
99
. Now a
day’s Aloe vera juice is available in the market to enhance
immune response against various diseases. Besides juice,
Aloe vera leaf powder is also being used by food
processing industries in preparation of yoghurt and other
food products
100
. The gel is most commonly used part of
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the plant which has been processed and used in different
products. Today, the industry is flourishing and gel is
being used as fresh gel juice
101
. Besides its medicinal
values this plant contains a number of nutrients such as
vitamins, minerals, amino acids, sugars, enzymes, fatty
acids and saponins, which have the positive effect on
human body
102
. It has also been suggested that bio-fuels
could be obtained from Aloe vera seeds
103
. It is common
practice for cosmetic companies to add sap or other
derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup,
tissue papers, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense,
shaving cream, and shampoos
39
. Traditionally, aloe is
extensively used for medicinal purpose particularly for
urine related problems, pimples and ulcers. Aloin and its
gel are used as skin tonic and have a cooling and
moisturizing affects so it is used in preparation of creams,
lotions, shampoos and allied products
104, 105
.
Aloe contents of different market products-
Sunburn treatments- 20 per cent or more aloe
content
Creams and Ointments- 20 per cent or more aloe
content
Juice- 95 per cent or more aloe content
Beverages- 50 per cent or more aloe content
Drinks- 10 per cent or more aloe content
Capsules- 5-10 per cent or more aloe content
CONCLUSION
Hence there is no wonder in considering Aloe vera as the
‘Wonder plant’. It’s uses are multiple -from being an
antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent, a curing agent for
heart problems, helps in relieving the symptoms of severe
illnesses like cancer and diabetes, being a beauty
enhancer and improves health. This Ancient Indian herb
has been known from centuries for its unique medicinal
properties, but now it has been rediscovered, recognized
and is benefiting the people. The active ingredients
hidden in its succulent leaves have the power to soothe
human life and health in a myriad ways. Aloe vera is
undoubtedly, the nature’s gift to humanity and it remains
for us to introduce it to ourselves and thank the nature
for its never-ending gift.
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