Chemical Characteristics and Therapeutic Potentials of Aloe vera

Abstract

Background: Aloe vera belongs to the family Liliaceae and genus Aloe with a survival rate of up to 50 years under satisfactory conditions. It has been used since >5000 years to cure many kinds of human diseases. This plant is also used for ornamental purposes as an indoor potted plant. Aloe vera finds various applications in allopathic and homeopathic medicine.

Objectives: Current review was generated to evaluate the chemical characteristics and therapeutic potential of Aloe vera.

Methodology: Relevant literature from last 10 years has been focused to evaluate ingredients and potential medicinal applications of Aloe vera published in Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, Pub Med, and Research Gate.

Results: The plant contains important constituents including enzymes, saponins, minerals, sugars, anthraquinones, vitamins, lignin, fatty acids and amino acids. Its leaves are rich in vitamins, enzymes, natural sugars, fatty acids, amino acid, minerals and other bioactive compounds. Aloe vera pulp consists of vitamins, enzymes, inorganic compounds, organic compounds, amino acids, proteins, lipids and other carbohydrates. The plant demonstrates an excellent therapeutic potential due to its laxative, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antitumor, antiseptic, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, antiviral, analgesics, anti-bacterial and antifungal potential. Moreover, it holds noticeable potential as a medicinal plant to cure many diseases.

Conclusion: The plant is rich in biologically active constituents and can be used in the potential treatment of numerous diseases.