Aloe vera: A plant for many uses

Author: Efterpi V. Christaki ^* and Panagiota C. Florou-Paneri

Received 3 February 2010, accepted 15 April 2010.

Abstract

Aloe vera, a cactus-like plant has been used for traditional medical purposes for thousands of years. Aloe leaves can be separated into two basic products: the latex, a bitter yellow liquid beneath the epidermis of the leaf and the gel, a colorless and tasteless substance in the inner part of the leaf. Both of them have many biologically active components, mainly anthraquinones and polysaccharides (the most active is acemannan), which may act alone or in synergy. Scientific studies provide support for the application of Aloe vera in cosmetic moisturizers, toothpastes etc, food as flavoring compounds or preservative of fresh products and in medicine of humans or animals. Aloe vera seems to treat a variety of conditions because of its wound healing, anti-inflammatory, immunity, antidiabetic, antioxidant, laxative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antitumor effects. Besides these applications it can be also included in the animals diet to utilize their benefits to the maximum extent.

Key words: Aloe vera, cosmetic applications, food applications, medicinal applications, animal nutrition.