Aloe Vera as a Multifunctional Medicinal Plant: A Review of its Clinical Applications
Aloe Vera as a Multifunctional Medicinal Plant
Keywords:
Aloe vera, Ophthalmology, Cosmetics, Anti- cancer properties, Pharmacological effects
Abstract
Aloe vera has long been valued in traditional medicine for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It is a succulent plant that stores water in its leaves, producing a gel widely used for therapeutic purposes. This gel has found applications in modern ophthalmic care, particularly in managing dry eye, supporting post-surgical healing, and relieving conditions like conjunctivitis. However, its use in medical treatments requires proper formulation and safety considerations. Aloe vera contains bioactive compounds, including anthraquinones, which are known for their antiviral, antibacterial, and potential anticancer effects. Although there are more than 300 species of aloe found across dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, only a few, especially Aloe barbadensis, are commercially important and widely used. Today, aloe vera is a natural ingredient frequently incorporated into cosmetic and healthcare products. This article briefly discusses the plant, its active components, mechanisms of action, and its clinical applications.
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References
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14. Peng SY, Norman J, Curtin G, Corrier D, McDaniel HR, Busbee D. Decreased mortality of murine sarcoma in mice treated with acemannan. Mol Biother. 1991 Jun;3(2):79-87.
15. Wang ZW, Huang ZS, Yang AP, Li CY, Huang H, Lin X, et al. Radioprotective effect of aloe polysaccharides on non-tumor cell lines. Chin J Cancer. 2005 Apr;24(4):438-42.
16. West DP, Zhu YF. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect Control. 2003 Feb;31(1):40-2.
17. Kumar, K & Bhowmik, Debjit & Bhattacharjee, Chiranjib & Biswajit,. (2010). Aloe vera : A Potential Herb and its Medicinal Importance. 21-29.
18. Fulton JE Jr. The stimulation of postdermabrasion wound healing with stabilized aloe vera gel-polyethylene oxide dressing. Dermatol Surg. 1990 May;16(5):460-7.
19. Garnick JJ, Singh B, Winkley G. Effectiveness of a medicament containing silicon dioxide, aloe and allantoin on aphthous stomatitis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1998 Nov;86(5):550-6.
20. Thompson JE. Topical use of aloe vera-derived allantoin gel in otolaryngology. Ear Nose Throat J. 1991 Feb;70(2):119.
21. Heck E, Head M, Nowak D, Helm P, Baxter C. Aloe vera (gel) cream as a topical treatment for outpatient burns. Burns. 1981 Mar;7(4):291-4.
22. Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, Ahmad SH, Afzal M. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Trop Med Int Health. 1996 Aug;1(4):505-9.
23. Atiba A, et al. Aloe vera gel facilitates wound healing in corneal injury. J Vet Med Sci. 2011;73(5): 615–621.
24. Chithra P, et al. Influence of Aloe vera on collagen characteristics. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998;181:71–76.
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2. Davis RH, Kabbani JM, Maro NP. Aloe vera and wound healing. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1987 Apr;77(4):165-9.
3. Visuthikosol V, Chowchuen B, Sukwanarat Y, Sriurairatana S, Boonpucknavig V. Effect of aloe vera gel on burn wound healing: a clinical and histologic study. J Med Assoc Thai. 1995 Aug;78(8):403-9.
4. Fox LT, Du Plessis J, Gerber M, Van Zyl S, Boneschans B, Hamman JH. In vivo skin hydration and anti-erythema effects of Aloe vera, Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii gel materials after single and multiple applications. Pharmacogn Mag. 2014 Apr;10(Suppl 2):S392.
5. Thean JH, McNab AA. Blepharoptosis in rigid gas permeable and PMMA contact lens wearers. Clin Exp Optom. 2004 Jan;87(1):11-4.
6. Awais M, Sadaqat S, Naeem S, Rao AQ. The myth of Aloe vera phytochemicals and its advancement as medicinal and plant-based cosmetics. Discov Phytomed. 2022;9(4).
7. Pugazhendhi, Aarthi. (2024). Prospects Of Aloe Vera In Fmcg Products.
8. Marques C, Suzuki D, Marques J. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in skin wound healing: a mini-review. Adv Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2017;2:219-21.
9. Taufik M, Cahyady B, Razali M, Ardilla D. Production of natural hand sanitizers from Aloe vera, rambutan, lime, betel leaf and eucalyptus leaves. J Saintech Transfer. 2021 Sep;4(1):55-64.
10. McMonnies CW, Ho A. Patient history in screening for dry eye conditions. J Am Optom Assoc. 1987 Apr;58(4):296-301.
11. Musgrave CS, Fang F. Contact lens materials: a materials science perspective. Materials (Basel). 2019 Jan;12(2):261.
12. Dixit P. Aloe vera and its medicinal properties: scientific overview. Anusandhaan Vigyaan Shodh Patrika. 2017;5(1):94-9.
13. Reynolds T, Dweck AC. Aloe vera leaf gel: a review update. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Dec;68(1-3):3-7.
14. Peng SY, Norman J, Curtin G, Corrier D, McDaniel HR, Busbee D. Decreased mortality of murine sarcoma in mice treated with acemannan. Mol Biother. 1991 Jun;3(2):79-87.
15. Wang ZW, Huang ZS, Yang AP, Li CY, Huang H, Lin X, et al. Radioprotective effect of aloe polysaccharides on non-tumor cell lines. Chin J Cancer. 2005 Apr;24(4):438-42.
16. West DP, Zhu YF. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect Control. 2003 Feb;31(1):40-2.
17. Kumar, K & Bhowmik, Debjit & Bhattacharjee, Chiranjib & Biswajit,. (2010). Aloe vera : A Potential Herb and its Medicinal Importance. 21-29.
18. Fulton JE Jr. The stimulation of postdermabrasion wound healing with stabilized aloe vera gel-polyethylene oxide dressing. Dermatol Surg. 1990 May;16(5):460-7.
19. Garnick JJ, Singh B, Winkley G. Effectiveness of a medicament containing silicon dioxide, aloe and allantoin on aphthous stomatitis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1998 Nov;86(5):550-6.
20. Thompson JE. Topical use of aloe vera-derived allantoin gel in otolaryngology. Ear Nose Throat J. 1991 Feb;70(2):119.
21. Heck E, Head M, Nowak D, Helm P, Baxter C. Aloe vera (gel) cream as a topical treatment for outpatient burns. Burns. 1981 Mar;7(4):291-4.
22. Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, Ahmad SH, Afzal M. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: a placebo-controlled double-blind study. Trop Med Int Health. 1996 Aug;1(4):505-9.
23. Atiba A, et al. Aloe vera gel facilitates wound healing in corneal injury. J Vet Med Sci. 2011;73(5): 615–621.
24. Chithra P, et al. Influence of Aloe vera on collagen characteristics. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998;181:71–76.
25. Vogler BK, Ernst E. Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness. Br J Gen Pract. 1999;49:823–828.
26. Surjushe A, et al. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(4):163–166.
Published
2026-06-30
How to Cite
Antonysamy, A., Anandan, H., JL, D., Babuselvan, V., & Beulah J, J. (2026). Aloe Vera as a Multifunctional Medicinal Plant: A Review of its Clinical Applications. Asian Journal of Medical Research, 15(2), 27-30. Retrieved from https://aijournals.com/index.php/ajmr/article/view/2727
Section
Review Article
