PHARMACOGNOSTICAL & MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE OF ALOE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Aloe vera is used for medicinal purposes since rigvedic times. Health benefits of aloe vera include its application in wound healing, treating burns, protection against skin damage, intestinal problems, increasing high density lipoprotein, reducing low density lipoprotein, reducing blood sugar in diabetics, fighting acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), allergies and improving immune system. Aloe vera gel is extracted from its leaves and appropriate processing techniques are needed for preparation of the end products. The industries involved in processing of aloe vera need Government surveillance to ensure that the aloe vera products have beneficial bioactive chemicals as per claims of the manufacturers. Regulatory bodies also need to look into the safe and effective use of aloe vera products for food applications. The claims made for medicinal value of aloe products should be supported by authentic and approved clinical trial data. It is presumptive to mention that nutraceutical claims of aloe products made by the manufacturers are numerous. However, approved clinical evidences are available for lowering LDL, increasing HDL, decreasing blood glucose level, treating genital herpes and psoriases.