Volume 5, Issue 3, March 2015
ISSN: 2277 128X
International Journal of Advanced Research in
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Research Paper
Available online at: www.ijarcsse.com
Special Issue: E-Technologies in Anthropology
Conference Held at Bon Secours College for Women, India
“The Plant of Immortality” Aloe Vera Its Therapeutic and
Medicinal Uses
J. Revathy
Assistant Professor
Bonsecours College for Women
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract: Aloe vera is the oldest medicinal plant ever known and the most applied medicinal plant Worldwide. The
plant Aloe vera is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine, and not only tribal
community but also most of the people for food and medicine. The plant leaves contains numerous minerals,
enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, antimicrobial, anti
inflammatory, anti-oxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic values for health care.
This plant has potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. Aloe vera is a useful source of
vitamins. Aloe vera Gel contains a large range of vitamins, even vitamin B12, Vitamin A, contains B-Group vitamins,
Vitamin C, Vitamin E and folic acid. Aloe vera Gel contains important ingredients including 19 of the 20 amino acids
needed by the human body. Aloe is a powerful detoxifier, antiseptic and tonic for the nervous system. It also has
immune-boosting and anti-viral properties. Research has proven that adding Aloe vera to one’s diet improves
digestion and as a general health tonic. The external use in cosmetic primarily acts as skin healer and prevents injury
of epithelial tissues, cures acne and gives a youthful glow to skin, also acts as extremely powerful laxative.
Keywords: Aloe vera, Nervous System, Immune-Boosting, Anti-Viral, Antimicrobial Properties, Therapeutic,
Medicinal Uses, Cosmetic Application, Skin Healer.
I.
INTRODUCTION
Plant extracts represent a continuous effort to find new compound against pathogens. Approximately 20% of the plants
found in the world have been submitted to pharmacological or biological test, and a substantial number of new antibiotics
introduced on the market are obtained from natural or semi synthetic resources [1]. The genus Aloe belonging to family
Alliaceae is a succulent herb of 80 - 100 cm in height which matures in 4 - 6 years and survives for nearly 50 years under
favorable conditions. Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. syn. Aloe barbadensis Miller is most biologically active among 400 species
[2-4].
According to World Health Organisation, medicinal plants would be the best source for obtaining a variety of drugs
[5]
. Aloe vera has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that
sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties which make it highly
valuable in treating cuts and abrasions. Aloe has been marketed as a remedy for coughs, wounds, ulcers, gastritis,
diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, immune-system deficiencies, and many other conditions when taken internally.
However, the general internal use is as a laxative.
II.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
Aloe contains two classes of Aloins: (1) nataloins, which yield picric and oxalic acids with nitric acid, and do not give a
red coloration with nitric acid; and (2) barbaloins, which yield aloetic acid (C7H2N3O5), chrysammic acid (C7H2N2O6),
picric and oxalic acids with nitric acid, being reddened by the acid. This second group may be divided into a-barbaloins,
obtained from Barbados aloes, and reddened in the cold, and b-barbaloins, obtained from Socotrine and Zanzibar Aloes,
reddened by ordinary nitric acid only when warmed or by fuming acid in the cold. Nataloin forms bright yellow scales.
Barbaloin forms yellow prismatic crystals. Table 1 representing the chemical composition and properties and activity of
Aloe vera.
Fig 1: Aloe vera
© 2015, IJARCSSE All Rights Reserved
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Revathy, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering 5 (3),
March- 2015, pp. 84-88
Table 1. Chemical composition and properties of Aloe vera
Constituents
Number and identification
Properties and activity
Amino acids
Provides 20 of the 22 required amino acids
and 7 of the 8 essential ones
Basic building blocks of proteins in
the body and muscle tissues
Anthraquinones
Provides Aloe emodin, Aloetic acid, alovin,
anthracine
Analgesic, antibacterial
Enzymes
Anthranol, barbaloin, chrysophanic acid,
smodin, ethereal oil, ester of cinnamonic
acid, isobarbaloin, resistannol
Antifungal and antiviral activity but
toxic at high concentrations
Hormones
Auxins and gibberellins
Wound healing and antiinflammatory
Essential for good health
Minerals
Calcium, chromium, copper, iron,
manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc
Salicylic acid
Aspirin like compounds
Analgesic
Saponins
Glycosides
Steroids
Cholesterol, campesterol, lupeol, sistosterol
Monosaccharides: Glucose and Fructose
Polysaccharides:
Glucomannan/polymannose
A, B, C, E, choline, B12, folic acid
Cleansing and antiseptic
Anti-inflammatory agents, lupeol has
Antiseptic and analgesic properties
Anti-viral, immune modulating
activity of Acemannan
Sugars
Vitamins
Antioxidant (A, C, E), neutralises
free radicals
III. THERAPEUTIC USE
3.1. Antitumor Activity
A number of glycoproteins present in Aloe vera gel have been reported to have antitumor and antiulcer effects and to
increase proliferation of normal human dermal cells [6, 7]. However, statistically significant clinical studies on the efficacy
of Aloe vera gel on human health are very limited and often inconclusive [8]. In recent studies, a polysaccharide fraction
has shown to inhibit the binding of benzopyrene to primary rat hepatocytes, thereby preventing the formation of
potentially cancer-initiating benzopyrene-DNA adducts. An induction of glutathione S-transferase and an inhibition of
the tumor-promoting effects of phorbol myristic acetate has also been reported which suggest a possible benefit of using
aloe gel in cancer chemoprevention [9, 10].
3.2. Anti-Inflammatory Action
The anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe vera gel has been revealed by a number of in vitro and in vivo studies through
bradykinase activity [11, 12]. The peptidase bradykinase was isolated from aloe and shown to break down the bradykinin,
an inflammatory substance that induces pain [13]. A novel anti-inflammatory compound, C-glucosyl chromones, was
isolated from gel extracts [14]. Aloe vera inhibits the cyclooxygenase pathway and reduces prostaglandin E2 production
from arachidonic acid. Fresh Aloe vera gel significantly reduced acute inflammation in rats (carrageen in-induced paw
edema), but not in chronic inflammation [12]. In croton oil-induced edema in mice, three Aloe vera gel sterols were able to
reduce inflammation by up to 37%. Lupeol, the most active anti-inflammatory sterol, reduced inflammation in a dose
dependent manner. The data suggest that specific plant sterols may also contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of
gel [14]. The aloe sterol includes campesterol, β-sitosterol, lupeol, and cholesterol which are anti-inflammatory in nature,
helps in reducing the inflammation pain and act as a natural analgesic. Other aspirin-like compound present in Aloe is
responsible for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Even, Aloe vera extract (5.0% leaf homogenate)
decreased inflammation by 48% in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritic inflammatory model [15, 16].
3.3. Effects on the Immune System
Alprogen inhibit calcium influx into mast cells, thereby inhibiting the antigen-antibody-mediated release of histamine
and leukotriene from mast cells. In a study on mice that had previously been implanted with murine sarcoma cells,
Acemannan stimulates the synthesis and release of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor from macrophages in
mice, which in turn initiated an immune attack that resulted in necrosis and regression of the cancerous cells. Several
low-molecular-weight compounds are also capable of inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen free radicals from
activated human neutrophils [17].
© 2015, IJARCSSE All Rights Reserved
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Revathy, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering 5 (3),
March- 2015, pp. 84-88
3.4. Wound Healing
Wound healing is a dynamic process, occurring in 3 phases. The first phase is inflammation, hyperemia and leukocyte
infiltration. The second phase consists of removal of dead tissue. The third phase of proliferation consisting of epithelial
regeneration and formation of fibrous tissue. A more recent review concludes that the cumulative evidence supports the
use of Aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns. The wound healing property of Aloe vera gel has been
attributed to Mannose-6-phosphate. Actually, Glucomannan and plant growth hormone gibberellins interacts with growth
factor receptors of fibroblast and stimulate its activity and proliferation for increases collagen synthesis in topical and
oral administration of Aloe according to Hayes. The Aloe administration influence collagen composition (more type III)
and increased collagen cross linking for wound contraction and improving breaking strength. It also increases synthesis
of hyaluronic acid and derma-tan sulfate in the granulation tissue of a healing wound. Acemannan is considered the main
functional component of Aloe vera, is composed of a long chain of acetylated mannose. This complex carbohydrate
accelerates wound healing and reduces radiation induced skin reactions. Macrophage-activating potential Acemannan
may stimulate the release of fibrogenic cytokines. Direct binding of Acemannan to growth factors and their stabilization
may lead to promotion of prolong stimulation of granulation tissue. The Aloe gel has been used for the treatment of
radiation burns and radiation ulcers and complete healing has been observed in two radiation burns patients. The fresh gel
was more effective than the cream as Aloe gel-treated lesions healed faster (11.8 days) com-pared to burns treated with
petroleum jelly gauze (18.2 days) by Fulton. The 27 patients with partial thickness burns have been treated with Aloe gel
in a placebo-controlled study [18].
3.5. Laxative Effects
Anthraquinones present in latex are a potent laxative and its stimulating mucus secretion, increase intestinal water
content and intestinal peristalsis. The Aloe are due primarily to the 1, 8-dihydroxyanthracene glycosides, aloin A and B
(formerly designated barbaloin). After oral administration aloin A and B, which are not absorbed in the upper intestine,
are hydrolysed in the colon by intestinal bacteria and then reduced to the active metabolites (the main active metabolite is
aloe-emodin- 9-anthrone) which like senna acts as a stimulant and irritant to the gastrointestinal tract. Aloe latex is
known for its laxative properties. The laxative effect of Aloe is not generally observed before 6 hours after oral
administration, and sometimes not until 24 or more hours after [20].
IV.
MEDICINAL USES
The bioactive compounds are used as astringent, haemostatic, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti
inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer agent also, effective in treating stomach ailments, gastrointestinal problems,
skin diseases, constipation, radiation injury, wound healing, burns, dysentery, diarrhoea and in the treatment of skin
diseases (represents in Graph 1). It is used in ayurvedic formulations as appetite-stimulant, purgative, emmenogogue and
antihelminthic, for treating cough, colds, piles, debility, dyspnoea, asthma and jaundice [20].
Graph 1. Representing the medicinal utilities of Aloe vera.
4.1. Antidiabetic
The five phytosterols of A. vera, lophenol, 24-methyl- lophenol, 24-ethyl-lophenol, cycloartanol and 24methylenecycloartanol showed anti-diabetic effects in type-2 diabetic mice. Aloe vera contains polysaccharides which
increase the insulin level and show hypoglycemic properties. Noor et al., reviewed the beneficial effects of selective
medicinal plant species such as Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Gymnema sylvestre,
Syzygium cumini and Pterocarpus marsupium, and emphasize on the role of active bio ment of diabetes mellitus has been
attempted with various indigenous plants and polyherbal formulations. Encouraging results have been obtained from
plant extracts with respect to antidiabetic activity, but still only a meager percentage of the plant world has been
explored. Medicinal plants like Trigonella foenum graecum, Allium sativum, Gymnema slyvestre, Syzigium cumini and
Aloe vera have been studied for treatment of diabetes mellitus. Extracts of Aloe gum increases glucose tolerance in both
normal and diabetic rats and Aloe vera sap taken for 4 - 14 weeks has shown a significant hypoglycaemic effect both
clinically and experimentally. Aloe vera gel is used in reducing sugar in diabetes. The five phytosterols of A. vera,
lophenol, 24- methyl-lophenol, 24-ethyl-lophenol, cycloartanol and 24- methylenecycloartanol showed anti-diabetic
effects in type-2 diabetic mice [21]. Traditional anti-diabetic plants might provide new oral anti-diabetic compounds,
which can counter the high cost and poor availability of the current medicines for many rural populations in developing
countries.
© 2015, IJARCSSE All Rights Reserved
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Revathy, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering 5 (3),
March- 2015, pp. 84-88
4.2. Anticancer Properties
The role of Aloe in carcinogenicity has not been evaluated well. The chronic abuse of anthranoid-containing laxatives
has been hypothesized to play a role in colorectal cancer; however, no causal relationship between anthranoid laxative
abuse and colorectal cancer has been demonstrated and reported. Aloe vera juice enables the body to heal itself from
cancer and also from the damage caused by radio and chemotherapy that destroys healthy immune cells crucial for the
recovery. Aloe vera emodin, an anthraquinones, has the ability to suppress or inhibit the growth of malignant cancer cells
making it to have anti-neoplastic properties [22].
4.3. Stress
Aloe juice is helpful in smooth functioning of the body machinery. It reduces cell-damaging process during stress
condition and minimizes biochemical and physiological changes in the body [23]. Oxidative stress refers to chemical
reactions in which compounds have their oxidative state changed. Some antioxidants are part of the body’s natural
regulating machinery while other dietary antioxidants are derived from diet sources. Aloe vera is an excellent example of
a functional food that plays a significant role in protection from oxidative stress.
4.4. Cosmetic & Skin Protection Application
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. 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. Currently, the plant is widely used in skin care, cosmetics and as nutraceuticals. 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
production and release of skin keratinocyte derived immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and
hence prevents UV-induced suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity [24]. 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 anthroquinone
contaminants in this preparation.
V. HEALTH BENEFITS
5.1 Helps digestion:
Drinking Aloe vera juice naturally allows the body to cleanse the digestive system. It encourages the bowels to move and
helps with elimination if a person is constipated. And if you have diarrhea, it will help slow it down.
5. 2 Increases energy levels:
Our diets include many substances which can cause fatigue and exhaustion. Taken regularly, Aloe vera juice ensures a
greater feeling of well-being, allowing energy levels to increase and also helps maintain a healthy body weight.
5.3 Builds immunity:
It is especially great for those who have chronic immune disorders like polysaccharides or fibromyalgia since the
polysaccharides in Aloe vera juice stimulate macrophages, the white blood cells that fight viruses.
5.4 Detoxifies:
Aloe vera juice is a great natural aid to detox. With our stressful lives, the pollution around us and the junk foods we eat,
we all need to cleanse our systems from time to time. Drinking Aloe vera juice provides a fantastically rich cocktail of
vitamins, minerals and trace elements to help our bodies deal with these stresses and strains every day.
5.5 Reduces inflammation:
It improves joint flexibility and helps in the regeneration of body cells. It strengthens joint muscles, which therefore
reduces pain and inflammation in weakened or aged joints.
VI.
CONCLUSION
The active ingredients hidden in its succulent leaves have the power to soothe human life and health in a myriad ways.
The plant has importance in everyday life to soothe a variety of skin ailments such as mild cuts, antidote for insect stings,
bruises, poison ivy and eczema along with skin moisturizing and anti ageing, digestive tract health, blood and lymphatic
circulation and functioning of kidney, liver and gall bladder makes it a boon to human kind. Aloe vera as the “wonder
plant” is multiple from being an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory agent, helps in relieving like cancer and diabetes, and
being a cosmetic field. The plant is in need to a greater research emphasis for better utilization of this plant for humankind. Aloe vera is undoubtedly, the nature’s gift to humanity for cosmetic, burn and medicinal application and it remains
for us to introduce it to ourselves and thank the nature for its never-ending gift.
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Revathy, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering 5 (3),
March- 2015, pp. 84-88
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