Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and
agents which may be anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. The combination and balance of the
plant's ingredients are what purportedly gives it its healing properties. The part of the Aloe vera
which is used are the leaves. The Aloe is an Emollient, Purgative and Vulnerary. It is also used
for its antibacterial, anesthetic and antiseptic properties, and is good to use as a tool for
restoration of tissue. It is most commonly used on burns and minor cuts, especially good for
sunburns, although it is being used for the treatment of skin cancer. The aloe vera plant, its
properties, mechanism of action, clinical uses and side effects are briefly reviewed in this
seminar paper.
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Introduction
The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and
skin care properties. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning
“shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in Latin means “true.” 2000 years ago, the Greek
scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of
immortality.” Today, the Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology.
It has a vast traditional role in indigenious 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 popularly known as
Egyptians (Shelton, 2019). The word “Aloe” derived from the Arabic word “Alloeh” which
means shining and bitter substance (Tyler et al., 2018). The virtues of Aloe vera have been
recorded for thousands of years by many ancient civilizations including Egypt, Persia, Greek,
India and Africa (Rolf and Zimmerli, 2020). 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, Canary Cape, Cape Verde 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 comprise 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.,
(Anonymous, 2019).
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Aloe vera
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, and is a
shrubby or arborescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea- green color plant. The name Aloe
vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in
Latin means “true.” The Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology.
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 (Agarry et
al., 2021).
Aloe Vera is considered to be ‘plant of immortality’ and is used for its healing properties. Aloe
Vera plants belong to the family of Xanthorrhoeaceae, known for its succulent or fleshy leaves.
This nontoxic plant stores water in its leaves and survives in low rainfall and arid regions. Aloe
Vera leaf looks unique; it doesn’t have any stems and the edges of leaves have tiny spikes
Aloe Vera has modified thick fleshy leaf, it not only has cell wall carbohydrates such as cellulose
and hemicellulose but also storage carbohydrates such as acetylated mannans the
polysaccharides found in the inner leaf parenchymatous tissue have medicinal importance (Ni
and Tizard, 2019) and also the biological activities are due to presence of large number of
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Aloe Vera
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Tracheophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. vera
In Nigeria, Aloe vera is known by various names in different local languages. Here are some
Nupe: Wuya
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History of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for millennia: Greece, Egypt,
India, Mexico, Japan and China (Marshall, 2019). Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used
it as part of their regular beauty regimes. Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it
to treat soldiers’ wounds. The first reference to Aloe vera in English was a translation by John
Goodyew in A.D. 1655 of Dioscorides’ Medical treatise De Materia Medica. By the early 1800s,
Aloe vera was in use as a laxative in the United States, but in the mid-1930s, a turning point
occurred when it was successfully used to treat chronic and severe radiation dermatitis (Davis,
2022).
The plant has triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges, yellow tubular flowers and fruits that
contain numerous seeds. Each leaf is composed of three layers: 1) An inner clear gel that
contains 99% water and rest is made of glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins.
2) The middle layer of latex which is the bitter yellow sap and contains anthraquinones and
glycosides. 3) The outer thick layer of 15–20 cells called as rind which has protective function
and synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins. Inside the rind are vascular bundles responsible for
transportation of substances such as water (xylem) and starch (phloem) (Tyler, 2019).
Active components with its properties: Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents:
vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids (Shelton,
2019).
contains vitamin B12, folic acid, and choline. Antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.
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Enzymes: It contains 8 enzymes: aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase,
excessive inflammation when applied to the skin topically, while others help in the breakdown of
sodium and zinc. They are essential for the proper functioning of various enzyme systems in
(glucomannans/polymannose). These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant and are
and the most common polysaccharides are called glucomannans [beta-(1,4)-acetylated mannan].
Acemannan, a prominent glucomannan has also been found. Recently, a glycoprotein with
chromone, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel (Ro et al., 2021).
known as laxatives. Aloin and emodin act as analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.
5. Fatty acids: It provides 4 plant steroids; cholesterol, campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol. All
these have anti-inflammatory action and lupeol also possesses antiseptic and analgesic
properties.
6. Hormones: Auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory
acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
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Lignin, an inert substance, when included in topical preparations, enhances penetrative effect of
the other ingredients into the skin. Saponins that are the soapy substances form about 3% of the
gel and have cleansing and antiseptic properties (Ro et al., 2021).
An analysis of Aloe vera reveals some magic behind its miraculous healing powers. The plant
contains a multitude of essential vitamins and minerals such as: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6,
B12, 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 (John
Waller et al., 1980). Free monosaccharides consisted of D-mannose and Dglucose in a molar
ratio of 5:4 and trace amounts of xylose, rhamnose, galactose and either arabinose or fucose.
Mannose 6 phosphate is a major sugar component in Aloe vera (Joseph and Justin, 2019).
Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin,
saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids (Atherton, 2022). 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) (Barcroft and Myskja, 2019). Aloe vera also contains the
trace minerals rhodium and iridium used in cancer and tumor research experiments. 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
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psoriasis. acids, cholesterol, anthraquinones, chromones (8-Cglucosyl-7-O-methylAloediol, 8-C-
tannins, sterols (lupeol, campesterol and β - sitosterol), salicylic acid, organic acids, enzymes,
saponins, vitamins, minerals (Newall et al, 2019), aloin, Aloe emodin (3-
amylase, cellulase and alliinase. Aloe vera leaves contain a range of biologically active
Cglycosides, anthrones and anthraquinones, and various lectins (Boudreau and Beland, 2021).
Aloe Vera has been used from time immemorial to aid in smooth functioning of the
gastrointestinal tract, mainly because of its properties of soothing, cleansing and helping the
body to maintain healthy tissues. Aloe vera gel is famous for facilitating digestion, aiding blood
and lymphatic circulation, as well as improving kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Aloe
vera has a minimum of three anti-inflammatory fatty acids, which help in smooth functioning of
the stomach, small intestines and colon. It has a natural property to alkalize digestive juices and
prevents over-acidity, which is one of the common causes of digestive ailments. Aloe vera juice
concentrates are high in essential enzymes, which stimulate digestion and liver functions. The
synergistic effect of Aloe vera juice used in combination with a few other herbs does wonders as
a liver-cleansing agent. Aloe vera supplements also contain a rare natural ingredient called
Saponins, which is provided by nature to cleanse and flush out waste products and toxins. More
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medicinal uses of Aloe vera are described in the following sections (Boudreau and Beland,
2021).
Aloe vera could be used to reduce the burning sensation of burns and blisters. Applying the pure
gel of Aloe vera would quell the sting of herpes. Juice or gel of Aloe vera is used to reduce
warts, psoriasis and eczema. Today, skin doctors prescribe skin gels and creams made from Aloe
era. The fresh juice of Aloe vera is used to cure and heal rashes, vaginal infections, foot sores
and fungus attack of various types. It is one of the home remedies for these problems. Aloe vera
is used in hair loss treatment. The enzyme content of Aloe vera prevents hair loss by protecting
the scalp against any diseases. Aloe vera also helps in the reduction of dandruff. You can mix the
juice of Aloe vera with coconut milk and wheat germ oil and massage your scalp before
shampooing your hair. If used continuously it helps in hair re-growth. There are on-going
researches in the medical use of Aloe vera in the treatment and cure of AIDS and cancer. In the
cure of cancer, there are many signs that medicines with Aloe vera content help in the activation
of WBCs and in promoting the growth of non-cancerous cells. If people with HIV positive take
regular doses of Aloe Vera, it helps in increasing the immunity of the body. The juice of Aloe
vera mixed with milk is consumed for kidney infections. In Japan, Aloe vera is a main ingredient
in the yogurt. In India, Aloe vera is used to make certain food dishes. Aloe vera was used as
medicine by the people of the ancient world. The Greeks believe Alexander the Great conquered
the island of Socotra, an island in Indian Ocean, because this island had ample growth of Aloe
vera plants. Aloe vera is widely used for the following: Boosting of the immune system, as an
anti-inflammatory for treating cuts and burns, Providing nutritional supplements (West and Zhu,
2018).
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Burn and Wound Healing: Aloe vera is best known for its soothing and healing effects on
burns and other wounds. Studies show that Aloe vera when applied to a wound increases both
the rate of wound closure and the tensile strength of the wound via the proliferation of cells,
including skin, liver, nerve and blood cells. Aging of The Skin: Aging of the skin is
characterized by thinning and wrinkling of the epidermis, combined with the appearance of lines,
creases, age spots and furrows in the face. Components of Aloe vera have been found to reverse
degenerative skin changes by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, in essence turning back
the clock on the effects aging has on skin (Vardy et al., 2019).
Immune System Restoration: Research has proven that Aloe vera prevent suppression of the
skin's immune system. This suppression may be one of the causes of skin cancer. In addition,
topical application of the Aloe vera can be made up to 24 hours after exposure to ultraviolet light
without reducing the degree of prevention regarding immune system suppression (Siegers,
2020).
reducing swelling from injuries and promoting recovery from infections. Such anti-inflammatory
responses not only aid in the relief of pain and discomfort, but also enhance the overall wound
Moisturizer: One of the main reasons Aloe Vera has become so popular among consumers is
that it possesses incredible moisturizing properties. 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
make Aloe vera an ideal ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological products. In fact, Aloe Vera
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is currently one of the most important ingredients in the cosmetics industry, being utilized in
over 95% of the dermatologically valuable extracts manufactured worldwide (Siegers, 2020).
Arthritis, Joint and Muscle Pain: Aloe vera is believed to reduce severe joint and muscle pain
associated with arthritis, as well as pain related to tendinitis 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.
Relieve Gastrointestinal Problems: Aloe vera juice can relieve gastrointestinal problems and
may be one of the plant's most ancient uses. Even today, people drink the juice to help relieve
ulcerous, gastrointestinal and kidney problems. People have described improved regularity,
greater intestinal comfort and enhanced energy levels after ingesting Aloe vera juice. In addition,
many who have suffered from indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, increased stomach acid,
peptic and duodenal ulcers, and colitis have reported relief from these conditions following
Blood circulation- A number of constituents have beneficial effects on blood pressure and
coagulation.
Digestion- One of its most popular usages these days is in helping any type of digestive or bowel
disorder. Aloe vera has received an enormous amount of positive Press for its benefits in helping
IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. It is also useful with other digestive problems, including peptic
ulcers or any type of stomach inflammation. Its properties are those of healing and soothing and
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Antioxidant: Antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-viral--Aloe vera contains vitamin C, E, zinc
i. Aloe vera plays an important role in maintaining the healthy functioning of the major
ii. Aloe vera releases pepsin, which aids digestion, soothes digestive tract irritations, colic
pain and ulcers. It also heals heart burns. This has come down from the traditions of folk
iii. Aloe vera acts as a general tonic, raises immunity and fights diseases. Research reveals
its efficacy in conditions like HIV and cancer, especially leukemia, due to its ability to
produce white blood cells. Consequently, it can minimize the side effects of
iv. It boosts circulation, and thus increases the supply of oxygen to the cells. Therefore, it
vi. It helps to maintains healthy joints and muscles, and thus, prevents arthritis.
vii. Aloe vera detoxifies the body, and is considered the best colon cleanser. It prevents
ix. Aloe vera also reduces blood sugar, and controls diabetes.
x. It reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, leading to a healthy heart, and preventing cardiac
problems.
xi. Aloe vera reduces inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.
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xii. Finally, it provides energy, and acts as a restorative. Moreover, it is said to alleviate
depression.
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. The
Aloe sugars are also used in moisturizing preparations (Barcroft and Myskja, 2019). 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. 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 (Sumbul et
al., 2019).
Currently, the plant is widely used in skin care, cosmetics and asnutraceuticals. Aloe vera gel has
been reported to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin. Exact role is not
known, but following the administration of Aloe vera gel, an antioxidant protein,
metallothionein, is generated in the skin, which scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents
suppression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the skin. It reduces the
hypersensitivity. Skin burns effect is reported and radiation dermatitis. Some researcher has been
reported the contact dermatitis and burning skin sensations following topical applications of Aloe
vera gel to dermabraded skin. These reactions appeared to be associated with anthraquinone
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Antiseptic
The antiseptic property of Aloe vera is due to presence of six antiseptic agents namely lupeol,
salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulphur. These compounds have
inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses. Though most of these uses are interesting
controlled trials are essential to determine its effectiveness in all diseases (Barcroft and Myskja,
2019).
The clinical use of aloe vera is supported mostly by anecdotal data. Though most of these uses
are interesting, controlled trials are essential to determine its effectiveness in all the following
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always
been proven.
2), HIV infection, cancer prevention, ulcerative colitis wound healing (results of aloe on wound
healing are mixed with some studies reporting positive results and others showing no benefit or
potential worsening), pressure ulcers, mucositis, radiation dermatitis, acne vulgaris, lichen planus,
B. Uses based on tradition or theory: The below uses are based on tradition or scientific
theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness
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Topical: It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely generalized dermatitis in
sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and
barbaloin. It is best to apply it to a small area first to test for possible allergic reaction ( Fenig et
al., 2020).
constipation. Prolonged use has been reported to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Laxative
effect may cause electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels) (Kim et al., 2019).
Interactions: Application of aloe to skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as
hydrocortisone. It reduces the effectiveness and may increases the adverse effects of digoxin and
digitoxin, due to its potassium lowering effect. Combined use of Aloe Vera and furosemide may
increase the risk of potassium depletion. It decreases the blood sugar levels and thus may interact
with oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin. Thus, though Aloe vera has wide spectrum of the
properties and uses, some of them could be myths and some of them could be real magic. In
future, controlled studies are required to prove the effectiveness of Aloe vera under various
Conclusion
While there are many claims as to Aloe vera benefits and its uses, It is belonging to the
Asphodelaceae family, and is related to onions and asparagus. The Aloe genus appears naturally
in Africa, although many members of the genus are popular houseplants and can be found around
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the world. The most famous member of the genus is Aloe Vera, known for its medicinal uses and
applications. Though there are several common medical uses for Aloe Vera, the most frequent
use of the plant is in the form of a topical gel. Gels made from Aloe are used to treat burns and
minor scrapes. Aloe vera benefits range from soothing inflammation, pain relief, and a reduction
in the likelihood of infection. In industrialized areas, the moisture form the Aloe leaves are
extracted and made into the popular gel most people are familiar with.
Recommendation
Used in this way primarily as a laxative, the juice from aloe can be dried into a dark powder
composed of yellowish granules that are quite bitter to taste. Internal use of Aloe is marketed as a
treatment for coughs, ulcers, muscle pain, headaches, and even cancer and HIV. The only proven
Aloe vera benefit in internal use is the relief of constipation. Additionally, even in this use,
internal use of the plant has a number of side effects, can cause nausea, and should not be taken
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