Abstract

ALOE VERA AS TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANT: A REVIEW ON ITS ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS, BIOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS

Anil Shrestha*, Ankit Acharya and N.C. Nagalakshmi

Abstract

Aloe vera is a traditional herbal plant that is frequently used in the field of medicine and cosmetics. In many part of the world this medicinal herb is used both internally and externally. Internally it is used to combat most digestive problems, including constipation, colitis, poor appetite, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, diabetes, immune system enhancement, peptic ulcers and periodontal diseases where as externally it is used to cure sunburns, burns, minor cuts, skin cancer, cures acne and for glowing skin. Phytochemical constituents like anthraquinones, sugars, sterols, hormones, minerals, enzymes, saponins, lignin, amino acids and vitamins have been isolated. This review presents a detail survey of the literature on various phytochemical constituents and medicinal importance of Aloe vera plant.

Keywords: Aloe vera, medicinal use, cosmetic use, phytoconstituents.