Introduction: Aloe barbadensis Miller, commonly known as Aloe vera, is one of over 400 species of the genus Aloe belonging to the family Liliaceae. Originally native to South Africa, it now thrives in dry subtropical and tropical regions, including parts of the southern United States. Aloe vera has been valued in folk medicine for more than 2,000 years and continues to play a vital role in traditional healing systems of many cultures such as China, India, the West Indies, and Japan.
A. vera is a succulent plant and, like other xerophytes, is adapted to arid environments by storing water in its tissues. Its leaves contain approximately 99–99.5% water, while the remaining 0.5–1.0% is composed of more than 75 biologically active compounds. These include water- and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, enzymes, polysaccharides (both simple and complex), phenolic compounds, and organic acids. Studies on its leaf structure indicate that the rind constitutes about 20–30% and the pulp 70–80% of total leaf weight. On a dry weight basis, the rind and pulp contain minor proportions of lipids (2.7% and 4.2%, respectively) and proteins (6.3% and 7.3%).
In Western societies, particularly in the USA, A. vera has been primarily cultivated for its latex, used in pharmaceutical applications. Over the years, researchers have attempted to isolate and identify the active constituents of A. vera gel. Although more than 75 compounds have been characterized, the therapeutic activities of the gel are not fully attributable to any single component. Polysaccharides from A. vera are known to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and enhance the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline, key elements in extracellular matrix remodeling during wound healing.
Morphologically, A. vera is a stemless or short-stemmed perennial that grows 80–100 cm in height, spreading through offsets and root sprouts. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and green to grey-green, with serrated margins. The plant produces yellow tubular flowers on spikes up to 90 cm tall.
Due to its wide range of applications, A. vera is extensively cultivated for industrial, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical purposes. Its pharmacological properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic effects. Often referred to as the “healing plant” or “silent healer,” it is well known for promoting wound and burn healing. Beyond medicinal uses, A. vera serves in cosmetics as a component of moisturizers, shampoos, sunscreens, soaps, and lotions. It is also used as a natural hair gel, particularly effective for curly or frizzy hair, and as a remedy for dry skin conditions such as eczema.
Medicinally, A. vera juice has shown potential benefits for ulcerative colitis, while its gel and extracts are marketed as remedies for a wide range of conditions including wounds, ulcers, gastritis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, immune deficiencies, and skin diseases. Traditionally, the inner leaf gel is applied topically, while latex from the lower leaf has been widely used as a laxative. Early reports (1941) indicated that the leaf pulp contained 98.5% water, with the remaining portion consisting largely of mucilage rich in uronic acids, sugars, and enzymes.
Historically, A. vera has been used to manage ailments ranging from mild fever, burns, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes to more severe conditions such as cancer, immune dysfunction, and even HIV/AIDS. In the pharmaceutical industry, it plays a significant role in the development of ointments, gels, tablets, and capsules. Given its diverse therapeutic potential, there is a strong need to promote awareness of the multifaceted benefits of A. vera along with improved cultivation practices for the benefit of humankind.
Chemical Constituents of Aloe vera
The primary constituents of Aloe vera gel include mucopolysaccharides (such as glucomannans and polymannoses, accounting for about 10% of total solids), enzymes, anthranoids, lignin, saponins, vitamins, amino acids (approximately 50% of which are essential amino acids, including 8 of the 10 essential ones), and minerals (quantitative values not specified). Total solids generally range from 1.3 to 2%, with the remainder comprising water (Lawless et al.)[^15].
I. Vitamins
Aloe vera contains several vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and D, which serve as important antioxidants protecting the body against free radicals. Vitamin B and choline are involved in energy production, amino acid metabolism, and muscle development. Vitamin B12 and folic acid play a key role in the formation of red blood cells (Jalal et al.)[^16].
II. Anthraquinones
Various anthraquinones are present in Aloe vera, including aloin, isobarbaloin, anthracene, emodin, barbaloin, anthranol, aloetic acid, aloe-emodin, and resistannol. These compounds act as natural laxatives, analgesics, and pain relievers, while also exhibiting potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities (Mahor and Sharique)[^17].
III. Minerals
Aloe vera provides essential minerals such as:
- Calcium – vital for bone and teeth health
- Manganese – a cofactor for enzymes initiating metabolic pathways
- Sodium – maintains fluid acid–base balance
- Copper – aids iron function in oxygen transport via red blood cells
- Magnesium – supports nerve and muscle function through electrical impulse conduction
- Potassium – regulates fluid pH balance
- Zinc – contributes to protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism
- Chromium – essential for proper insulin function and blood sugar regulation
- Iron – enables oxygen transport in red blood cells (Jalal et al.)[^16].
IV. Sugars
Aloe vera contains both monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and polysaccharides (glucomannans/polymannoses). These originate from the mucilage layer of the plant and are collectively known as mucopolysaccharides. The most common polysaccharides are glucomannans (β-1,4 acetylated mannan). Additionally, a glycoprotein with anti-allergic properties, termed alprogen, has been isolated from Aloe vera gel[^18].
V. Fatty Acids
The plant delivers four phytosterols—cholesterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, and lupeol. All demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties, while lupeol also exhibits antiseptic and analgesic effects.
VI. Enzymes
Enzymes found in Aloe vera include peroxidase, alliase, catalase, lipase, cellulase, carboxypeptidase, amylase, and alkaline phosphatase. These enzymes aid in the breakdown of food and support digestion. Some facilitate fat metabolism, whereas others assist in the hydrolysis of starches and sugars (Jalal et al.)[^16].
VII. Hormones
Aloe vera contains plant hormones such as auxins and gibberellins, which contribute to wound healing and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity[^18].
VIII. Others:
A. vera provides 20 of 22 required and 7 essential amino acids. It also contains salicylic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory and anti- bacterial properties.18
CULTIVATION AND COLLECTION–
Aloe Vera: Cultivation and Characteristics
There are more than 250 species of aloe found worldwide; however, only two species are cultivated commercially—Aloe barbadensis Miller and Aloe arborescens, with the former being the most widely used. Aloe vera thrives in warm, tropical climates and cannot withstand freezing temperatures. It is an evergreen perennial that grows up to 0.8–1 m in height at a slow rate.
The plant prefers light (sandy) to medium (loamy) soils with good drainage, and it can even survive in nutrient-poor soils. Aloe vera grows best in acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soils. Being a xerophytic plant, it tolerates drought conditions well but cannot grow in shade. Propagation is mainly through seeds, which are typically sown in spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination occurs within 1–6 months at around 16°C, after which seedlings are transplanted into pots containing well-drained soil. Young plants should be exposed to sunlight for at least their first two winters. Offsets usually appear in spring and can be separated and replanted once conditions are warm enough to promote root development.
Field planting is often done after the rainy season, with rows spaced at about 60 cm. Leaves are harvested in the second year, usually by locals, who carefully cut them near the base to avoid injury from the thorns. The harvested leaves are stored in kerosene tins and transported to processing sites. Aloe juice is found in the parenchymatous cells of the pericycle, where mucilage-containing cells release the juice upon incision.
Preparation of Aloe VeraI. Curaçao or Barbados Aloe
In the West Indies, cut leaves are placed with their cut surfaces facing inward on a V-shaped wooden trough about 1–2 m long. The juice drains into a collecting tin below. This juice is then concentrated, either by natural evaporation or more commonly by boiling, until it reaches the consistency of thick honey. This process promotes crystallization of barbaloin, giving the product an opaque appearance. It is therefore also called “hepatic” or “livery” aloe. Once cooled, the substance is poured into molds, boxes, or other containers, where it solidifies.
II. Socotrine Aloe
This variety is often collected in goatskins. The juice is left to undergo spontaneous evaporation for about a month, forming a viscous, pasty mass, which is then packed into cases. In European countries, drying is performed in wooden trays with hot air until the moisture content is reduced to about 10%.
III. Zanzibar Aloe
Prepared in a manner similar to Socotrine aloe, Zanzibar aloe is stored in the skins of carnivorous animals and is also referred to as “monkey-skin aloe.”
IV. Cape Aloe
The leaves of Cape aloe are cut near the base and placed around a hole lined with sheepskin (smooth side facing up). The juice drains into the hole and is subsequently heated in iron cauldrons. The thickened extract is then stored in boxes or skins, where it solidifies on cooling. Large quantities are exported through Cape Town and Mossel Bay.
Pharmacological Activities of Aloe Vera
1. Dental Health
Studies in dentistry have shown that Aloe vera tooth gels are highly effective and comparable to commercial toothpastes in controlling cavity-causing bacteria. In some cases, Aloe vera gel demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity.
2. Wound Healing
The wound-healing potential of Aloe vera is attributed to compounds such as mannose-6-phosphate, glucomannan, and gibberellins. These bioactive agents stimulate fibroblast growth factor receptors, enhancing collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. Both topical and oral applications have shown efficacy in accelerating wound repair.
3. Anti-Diabetic Properties
Aloe vera contains five phytosterols—lophenol, 24-methyl-lophenol, 24-ethyl-lophenol, cycloartanol, and 24-methylenecycloartanol—which have demonstrated anti-diabetic effects in type 2 diabetic models. Additionally, Aloe vera polysaccharides help increase insulin levels and exhibit hypoglycemic activity.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Action
The anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera gel have been confirmed in multiple in vitro and in vivo studies. A peptidase enzyme, bradykinase, isolated from Aloe vera, has been shown to degrade bradykinin, a mediator of inflammation and pain.
5. Anti-Tumor Activity
Aloe vera contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides with anti-tumor and anti-ulcer properties. Some studies report its ability to inhibit benzopyrene-DNA adduct formation in rat hepatocytes, induce glutathione-S-transferase activity, and suppress tumor-promoting effects of phorbol esters, suggesting its potential in cancer prevention.
6. Immunomodulatory Effects
Alprogen, a protein isolated from Aloe vera, inhibits calcium uptake in mast cells, thereby suppressing antigen–antibody-mediated release of histamine and leukotrienes. Acemannan, a polysaccharide from Aloe vera, has been shown in animal studies to stimulate macrophages to release interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), enhancing immune responses against tumor cells.
Applications of aloe vera
Medicinal
Aloe vera is anthelmintic, cathartic, carminative, deobstuent, depurative, diuretic, stomachic, and emmenagoge. Juice is used as a part of healthy skin prescription, dyspepsia, amenorrhea, smolders, colic, hyperdenosis, hepatopathy, splenopathy, obstruction, range, menorrhea, stomach, tumors, dropsy carbunles, sciatica, lumbago and flatulence. Aloe vera gel is very useful in ulcerative colitis and pressure ulcers.30
1.Anti-Cancer Properties
The Aloe vera produced an important role in cancer-causing nature has not been assessed well. The constant misuse of anthranoid-contaning intestinal medicines has been gambled to assume a part in colorectal tumor, be that as it may, no causal social among anthranoid diuretic misuse and colorectal malignancy has been exhibited and have Aloe vera juice enables the body to recover itself from moreover the mischief brought on by radio and chemotherapy that obliterate strong sound safe invulnerable cells basic for the recovery. aloe vera emodin, an anthraquinone , can smother or control the advancement of undermining or repress and supressed the development of threatening growth bringing about cells making it to have hostile to anti-neoplastic properties.31
2.Anti-Ulcer Activity
This study was achieved to choose the effects of Aloe vera on indomethacin actuated ulcers in rats. Aloe vera established verifiably basic unfriendly to ulcer activity proportionate to standard medicine omeprazole. The mean ulcer records of two medicines are molded to be statically basic. Thusly, the consequences were expressive of threatening to ulcerogenic progress of aloe vera . however , the cell frameworks for these activity stay to be traditional.32
3.Antiseptic
The sterile property of Aloe Vera is a result of proximity of six clean experts particularly lupeol, salicylic destructive , urea nitrogen , cinnamonic destructive, phenols and sulfur. These blends have inhibitory action on parasites, organisms and diseases. Despite the way that an extensive part of these usages are captivating controlled trials are critical to choose its practicality in all diseases.33
4.Anti-Inflammatory
The aloe vera is effective active medicinal plant of herbal drugs formulation. It suppressed the cyclooxygenase decreases prostaglandin E2 generation from arachidonic corrosive as of late, the novel calming compound called Cglucosyl chromone was detached from gel extracts.It very valuable plant in action in anti-inflammation activity of aloe vera 34
5.Anti-bacterial Activity
Aloe vera gel was bactericidal beside pseudomonas aeruginosa and acemannan reserved it from holding fast to human lungs epithelial cells in a monolayer society. A took care of Aloe vera gel prepration ruined the development of advance Candida albicans. The gel contains 99.3%of water, the staying 0.7% is made up of solid with starches creating for a sweeping parts. concentrated essences of Aloe leaves are used as diuretic and as a haemorrhoid treatment. Aloe gel can fortify the body’s resistant framework Glucomannan and acemannan have been exposed to revive wound recuperating, actiuating macrophages. ,bracing safe structure moreover antibacterial and antiviral effects.The preliminary phytochemistry revealed closeness of terpenoids ,flavonoids and tannins . Aloe secundiflora could be a rich wellspring of antimicrobial agensts and its use by the neighborhood persons of need victroria district of Kenyas.34
6.Anti-fungal Activity
A refined aloe vera gel prepration reported suppressed the growth of fungus albbicans.The purified aloe proteins has been found to exhibit potent antifungal activity against candida paraprilosis ,candida krusei and candida albicans.32
7.Chronotropic Activity
Trough Chronotropic (Heart Rate) impacts, the heart rate is moderated so the diastolic period (the time between real solid compressions [the systolic period]) is longer. It is amid the diastolic period that the heart chambers are loaded with blood, prepared for the following beat. Be that as it may, generally as essential, this is the time when the heart unwinds and gets its own sustenance. In the incident that the heart rate is too quick, the diastolic cardiovascular care time border is too short. This brands the heart less proficient in pumping and coursing blood.35
8.Anti-diabetic Activity
The primary restriction of the current clinical information about aloe vera gel is little clinical studies that regularly need thorough approach. A few clinical trials are being absorbed to promote assess the operation of aloe vera gel for an assortment of clutters, and moreover to contribution affirm customary employments of the plant extract.35
9.Anti-oxidant Activity
The utilization this study was to quantify the capacity of fluid concentrate of Aloe vera on oxidative damage and Anion Exchanger 1 (AE1, generally called Band 3) expression in human erythrocytes introduced to the water dissolvable free radical initiator 2.2′- azobis-2-amidinopropano dihydrochloride (AAPH). In adding, enhance up to phenolic blends in the concentrates were firm as catechin consistent and the diverse malignancy counteractive action operator activities were stood out from regular and built standard cell fortifications, for instance, BHA and ascorbic corrosive. Since Aloe Vera separate did not bring about an utilization of the cytosolic cancer prevention agent, glutathione (GSH) when it was instant hatched with GSH in fundamental spread air over fluid arrangement, this displays Aloe vera extricate does not continue auto oxidation at this test condition.34
10.Anti-viral Activity
In this study we attempted the antiviral activity of an unpleasant hot glycerine concentrate of Aloe vera gel which was produced in Bushehr (Southwest of Iran) against HSV-2 replication in Vero cell line. The concentrate showed antiviral growth against HSV-2 not simply before overtone and area of disease to the Vero cells also on post association periods of impurity replication. Thus, blends of Aloe verafrom Bushehr could be a tolerable confident as a trademark source.36
FOOD-
Concentrate
Squash, jam, jellies, aloe vera essence can also be mixed with tea, water or juice
Gel fillet
Candies, bar, munch, chewing gum, prompt aloe vera tea granules, aloe vera gum for sore or bleeding gums, candy type aloe vitamins, aloe vera fruit smoothies
Juice
serve drink, health drink, soft drink ,laxative drink, sherbet , sports drink (with electrolytes),diet drink with soluble fiber, hangover drink with B-vitamins, amino acids and acetaminophen ,healthy vegetable juice mix, yoghurts, aloe vera mix for whiskey or other alcohol, white bread with aloe vera and cucumber juice with aloe vera
Powder
Yoghurt ,curd, lassi, ice-cream and aloe vera laddu.
COSMETICS-
Aloe vera rouses the creation of collagen and elastin that prevents aging of the skin.
Aloe vera is used in soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions for beauty purposes. Aloe vera gel lightens the dark spots on the face and decreases the intensity of pigmentation.
When applied topically, the gel turns as best moisturizer, removes dead skin cells and rejuvenates the skin.
Also it conditions the hurt hair. All you need to do is mix Aloe vera gel and lemon juice. Apply this mixture on your hair after shampooing it. Leave this for 4- 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with water.
It hastens the skin repair and hydrates your skin ensuing in healthy and glowing skin.
Clinical Applications of Aloe vera in Dentistry
1. Aphthous Ulcer.
It has been reported that acemannan hydrogel accelerates the healing of aphthous ulcers and reduces the pain associated with them 37. Researchers evaluated a gel that combined allantoin, Aloe vera, and silicon dioxide and its effects on aphthous ulcers of the oral cavity 38. Each patient used a daily diary to text the number and duration of aphthous ulcers, the interval between ulcers, ulcer size, and ulcer pain over a period of 3-4 months. The reduced duration of the lesions in one arm of the study and the better interval between lesions in the other arm of the study both were significant statistically. The gel did not demonstrate any consistent effectiveness on ulcers in the oral cavity.
2. Oral Lichen Planus.
The efficiency of Aloe vera in treatment of oral lichen planus has been measured by many researchers. In one study, a patient of lichen planus with systemic participation was placed on Aloe vera therapy. The patient’s treatment involved drinking 2.0 ounces of stabilized Aloe vera juice daily for 3 months, topical application using Aloe vera lip balm and Aloe cream for itching hands. The oral lesions cleared up within 4 weeks, although the systemic lesions took longer . In additional study, 46 patients with OLP were arbitrarily divided into 2 groups. Each group was treated with Aloe vera mouthwash and triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% (TA), respectively. The treatment period for both groups was 4 weeks. Patients were assessed on days 8 and 16 and after completing the course of treatment (visit 1– 3). Aloe vera mouthwash is an effective substitute for TA in the treatment of OLP 39. In another double-blind study, 64 patients with OLP were divided in two groups and preserved with either Aloe vera (32 patients) or placebo (32 patients), at a dose of 0.4 mL (70% concentration) three times a day. The patients were assessed after 6 and 12 weeks. In the Aloe vera group, complete pain remission was achieved in 31.2% of the cases after 6 weeks and in 61% after 12 weeks. In the placebo group, these percentages were 17.2% and 41.6%, respectively. It was concluded that Aloe vera improves the total quality of life score in patients with OLP 40
3. Gingivitis
Several studies have been showed to test the efficacy of Aloe vera in treating gingivitis. In a doubleblind study, a total of 120 subjects were demanded to abstain from oral hygiene (tooth brushing) for 14 days. The subjects were then arbitrarily divided into group A (test group) who received 100% Aloe vera, group B (negative control group) who received placebo (distilled water), and group C (positive control group) who received 0.2% chlorhexidine. Plaque accumulation was measured by plaque index (PI) and gingivitis was assessed by adapted gingival index (MGI) and bleeding index (BI) at baseline (0), 7th, 14th, and 22nd days. Mouthwash containing Aloe vera showed important reduction of plaque and gingivitis, but when linked with chlorhexidine the effect was less significant. It was concluded thatAloe vera mouthwash can be an effective antiplaque agent and with appropriate refinements in taste and shelf life can be an affordable herbal substitute for chlorhexidine 41. Another study evaluated the effect of a toothpaste containing high concentrations of Aloe vera on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Fifteen subjects participated in this randomized, double-blind study. Participants were nonsmokers, with signs of gingivitis (bleeding index 30%) and no signs of periodontitis. Subjects were followed for three 6- month periods during which they used either an Aloe vera toothpaste or control toothpaste. There was a statistically and clinically significant reduction of about 20% of the plaque and gingivitis indices at the end of the clinical trial compared to baseline values but no differences between the Aloe vera and the control toothpaste. It was decided that in patients interested to improve their oral hygiene habits, the use of a toothpaste covering Aloe Vera showed no additional effect on plaque and gingivitis linked to a control toothpaste 42
4. Alveolar Osteitis.
Currently, special medical bandages (SaliCept Patch) are existing for intraoral use following extraction of teeth. The SaliCept Patch is a freeze-dried pledget that covers acemannan hydrogel (Carrington Laboratories) found from the clear inner gel of Aloe vera. In 2002, a retrospective assessment was performed of the records of 587 patients (1,031 sockets) whose extraction sites had been preserved with clindamycin-soaked gelfoam. A prospective trial was showed in which 607 patients (1,064 sockets) had 2 SaliCept Patches placed directly after extraction. Results showed that 78 of 975 sites (8.0%) in the gelfoam group established AO, whereas only 11 of 958 sites (1.1%) in the SaliCept group developed AO (𝑃 < .0001). Further analysis of all extraction sites exposed that the incidence of AO in the gelfoam group was 7.6% compared with 1.1% in the SaliCepttreated group (𝑃 < .0001). Therefore, it was decided that the SaliCept Patch meaningfully reduces the incidence of AO compared with clindamycin-soaked gelfoam 43
5. Denture Adhesive.
As previously discussed Acemannan, a complex mannose carbohydrate and one of the main ingredients of theAloe vera gel, has an inherent stickiness/viscosity. It is this property that led to the manufacture of prototype acemannan denture adhesives. These new denture adhesive preparations were evaluated for pH changes, cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts, and adhesive strength in both dry and wet circumstances. The denture adhesive formulations tested consisted of five combinations of acemannan with varying concentrations of preservatives. The pH and cytotoxity of each design was slow over 24 hours and, the adhesive strength was assessed with a universal testing. The experiment concluded that acemannan denture adhesive formulation 150 : 1 and preservative attentiveness of design 4 with an initial pH value of 6.0 was an effective herbal substitute for traditional denture adhesives 44
Other applications in dentistry: [45,46]
(1) applications straight at sites of periodontal surgery;
(2) as an adjunct to Scaling and root development in periodontitis;
(3) chemical burns caused by accidents with aspirin are quickly relieved;
(4) extraction sites respond comfortably and empty purses do not grow when aloe vera is applied;
(5) angular Chelitis;
(6) burning mouth syndrome;
(7) patients with sore gums and teeth with dentures maladaptive might also benefit;
(8) Aloe vera can also be used around dental implants to control irritation caused by bacterial adulteration. Journal of Dental Surgery
Side Effects of Aloe Vera
Topical
It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely sweeping dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are typically due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin. It is best to apply it to a small area first to test for likely allergic reaction.. 47
Contraindication
Contraindicated in cases of known allergy to the plant. Oral aloe is not suggested through pregnancy due to theoretical motivation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may former causes gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant Ulbricht et al. 48
Interactions
Application of aloe to skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as hydrocor Int tisone. It reduces the effectiveness and may increases the adverse effects of digoxin and digitoxin, due to its potassium lowering effect Ulbricht et al.49
CONCLUSION
Aloe vera is rightly regarded as the “wonder plant” due to its diverse therapeutic and commercial applications. Its uses range from being an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing agent to providing cardioprotective benefits, alleviating symptoms of chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes, enhancing beauty care, and promoting overall health. This ancient Indian herb has been valued for centuries for its unique medicinal properties. In recent decades, it has been rediscovered, scientifically recognized, and widely utilized worldwide. The bioactive compounds present in its succulent leaves contribute significantly to human health and well-being. Undoubtedly, Aloe vera stands as nature’s gift to humanity, deserving appreciation for its never-ending benefits.
During 2007–2016, research on Aloe vera was most prominent in the field of medicine (40.90% of publications), followed by pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmaceutics (35.16%), agricultural and biological sciences (23.09%), biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (20.27%), chemistry (7.90%), immunology and microbiology (6.24%), and engineering (5.38%). The top 20 most productive research organizations and authors contributed 11.47% and 8.55% of the global publication share, and 12.87% and 13.82% of the global citation share, respectively. Journals served as the dominant medium of dissemination, accounting for 79.08% of the research output, with the top 15 journals alone publishing 16.01% of Aloe vera research during this period. Highly cited papers were relatively few—only 18 publications received between 104 and 242 citations each, totaling 2,656 citations with an average of 147.55 citations per paper, involving 26 authors and 27 institutions.
Traditional knowledge highlights Aloe vera’s role as a wound-healing medicinal plant. It has been applied in treating inflammation, pain, ulcers, and as an antihyperglycemic agent. However, further studies are required to isolate and evaluate its bioactive principles using advanced experimental models and clinical trials. Such research would help elucidate mechanisms of action and uncover additional therapeutic applications. Given its wide-ranging nutraceutical and medicinal potential, Aloe vera enjoys strong global demand, particularly in markets across Australia, the United States, and Europe. With India’s favorable climatic conditions for cultivation, the country holds a competitive advantage in Aloe vera production and commercialization.
In conclusion, Aloe vera has made a significant impact in both medicine and cosmetics through its topical and oral applications. Current research efforts are increasingly directed toward exploring its potential against life-threatening diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Traditionally, Aloe vera has been used to manage skin ailments—including burns, cuts, insect bites, and eczema—as well as digestive disorders, owing to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Modern research aims to validate these traditional uses, identify active compounds, and expand its therapeutic scope.
Recent studies have highlighted new pharmacological activities, particularly its cytotoxic, antitumor, anticancer, and antidiabetic potential. In vitro investigations have primarily examined its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antitumor, anticancer, and skin-protective effects, with promising results also reported in bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis. In vivo studies have further confirmed its cardioprotective, anticancer, and skin-protective roles. However, clinical trials remain limited, focusing mainly on digestive and dermatological benefits, and often testing whole Aloe vera extracts rather than isolated metabolites.
Among its active constituents, aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, amodin, and acemannan have attracted particular attention in the past six years. Aloe-emodin has shown strong antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective effects, while aloin has demonstrated promising activity in inflammatory processes, bone health, cancer, and cardiovascular protection. These encouraging findings from basic research underscore the urgent need for well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic applications of Aloe vera and its principal compounds, particularly in areas such as bone protection, cancer, and diabetes.
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