Pharmacological and Phytochemical Potential of Aleo Barbadensis (A Comprehensive Review)

Abstract

Aloe vera contains 99-99.5% water; the remaining (0.5- 1.0%) solid material is comprised of minerals, water & fat-soluble vitamins, amino acids, phenolic compounds, simple and complex polysaccharides and organic acids. Aloe gel contains different elements like B, Be, Al, P, Si, Ca, Mg, Na and Fe. On the basis of dry-weight, the rind and pulp contain only a minor fraction of proteins and lipids. Gel polysaccharides of Aloe vera are comprised of linear chains of glucose and mannose molecules. Aloe vera consists of more than 200 different biological and medicinal active ingredients which are highly beneficial for human health. The plant demonstrates the antibacterial and antifungal, anti-helmenthic, purgative, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, antispectic, anti-oxiant and laxative properties and is also used to treat skin infections, skin cancer, minor cuts and even sunburns; it is also effective against piles, jaundice, cough, dyspnea and asthma. The plant is commonly used at local level in Pakistan, for the treatment of numerous human diseases. Aloe vera also finds very important applications in cosmetics, dermatological industry, beauty products, sun block lotions, skin smoothening moisturizers, skin tonics against pimples and also have the ability to transport healthy substances through the skin and removal of dead skin cells. The present study was aimed to review the phytochemical composition and medicinal potential of Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) which is a very famous plant all over the world.