ALOE VERA: PLANT WITH DIVERSE THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

In this review article attention is put towards the application of a common Indian medicinal plant, Aloe vera that has been put into use since centuries for its therapeutic and curative properties. Aloe gel, which is found in the interior of the leaves, is being used for topical application for many skin ailments. The gel works by hydrating and protecting a topical wound until the body can repair itself. The bitter latex comes from a layer of cells just beneath the outer skin and has been reported to be beneficial in treatment of intestinal troubles. This sap is taken internally and soothes digestive complaints by acting as a purgative or laxative. An Aloe vera leaf contains more than 200 different constituents - each of them in relatively minute quantities. The juice consists of, on an average, more than 99% water, thus all the constituents together amount to less than 1%. This indicates that curative actions may be brought about by very small amounts of active ingredients. Phytochemical composition may vary in different Aloe species, health benefits, and possible toxicities. Thus, it is important to not only study and research the relevant medicinal uses of the native Aloe species but also to identify the active components and understand their individual or combined biological mechanisms.