Aloe a Gel in a Cell

Abstract

Aloe a miracle plant obtained from many species namely aloe vera, aloe barbadensis, aloe perryi, aloe ferox and various other species. Aloe vera the Indian species cultivated in India and other species are cultivated in Africa. Aloe is a cactuslike plant that grows in hot, dry climates. Aloe plant can withstand drought conditions and can grow without rainfall. Aloe produces two substances, gel and latex. Aloe gel is a clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from the plant's skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex. Aloe vera plant has enormous activities in treatment of various skin diseases such as acne, burns, psoriasis, etc. and used in herbal cosmetics. Aloe gel is used in many cosmetic preparations as face wash and herbal creams etc. since the potency, efficacy, safety is more toxicity and side effects are comparatively less. Aloe is used in gum diseases in, dental problems and dental plaque etc. Aloe gel has anti-diabetic activity, used in treatment of glaucoma, and can treat vision problems. It is also used in hepatitis, osteoarthritis, varicose veins, weight loss etc. aloe has tremendous other activities. This review includes various uses, medicinal properties, pharmacological actions, various extracts of these Aloe species are traditionally used and their application used to cure, arthritis, inflammation, immunity, diabetes, hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, atherosclerosis, coronary heart diseases, laxative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, wound healing and antitumor effect. Since aloe has been reviewed in many journal and articles, this review is compiled from recent article of aloes. Hence aloe is an invaluable gift of nature and a miracle plant. Aloe is a medicinal plant from the past, present and future and the invaluable activities present in this plant leads us to promising activities for the research and development for finding new entities.