Study of Antimicrobial , phytochemical, medicinal and

therapeutic properties of Aloe Vera

Author: Ayesha Afzal

S24NBOTN3E01003
MS Botany 2nd

Course name :Synopsis and academic writing

Courses instructor:Sir Abdul Haseeb

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur

(Bahawalnagar campus)
Abstract:
Aloe vera is a succulent herb belonging to Asphodelaceae family, which is well known for its
healing properties for which it was honored as “healing plant” and “silent healer”. Aloe Vera
has a rich history of centuries of use for its many benefits for health, beauty, medicine and skin
care and is being used in abundance in commercial products. Aloe vera has a deep base in
traditional medicine and is used greatly in indigenous systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and
Homeopathy. The plant’s pharmacologically active ingredients are concentrated in two primary
components: the inner gel and outer sap. These bioactive compounds have proven effective in
treating numerous conditions including Problems with burns or allergic reactions, Rheumatoid
arthritis, rheumatic fever, Digestive problems (acid indigestion, ulcers, diarrhea, dysentery),
Skin disease,inflammatory conditions, Diabetes and piles(Minwuyelet, MogesSewalem, & Gashe,
2017).Aloe vera gel contains the mostly present polysaccharides which contribute greatly
towards its health benefits. Aloe vera is used cosmetically or for cosmetic applications to
promote healthy, supple skin by reducing wrinkles, curing acne and rejuvenating skin
appearance(Ekakitie, 2024). Aloe vera is used in the pharmaceutical industry to prepare topicals
(ointments, gels) and oral (tablets, capsules) formulations. This review attempts to give a
comprehensive survey of literature on Aloe vera’s traditional, phytochemical and
pharmacological properties.
Introduction: dagger-shaped leaves of Aloe vera are the
most utilized part which comprise of two
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), a
primary fractions, the outer photosynthetic
succulent plant from the Liliaceae family, has
green cortex (rind) and the inner parenchyma
been utilized for centuries in traditional
(pulp or fillet)(Añibarro-Ortega et al., 2019).
medicine(Dharajiya, Pagi, Jasani, & Patel,
The leaf produces two distinct exudates:
2017). The term “Aloe” refers to the solid
reddish-yellow latex from pericyclic cells and
residue obtained from the latex. It’s leaves
transparent slippery mucilage (gel) from inner
contain a bitter liquid . The gel extracted from
parenchyma cells. The gel consists of
the leaf’s central bulk is widely used due to its
approximately 99.3% moisture(Gharibi et al.,
therapeutic properties. Historical records
2015). It contains bioactive compounds such
indicate that Aloe vera originated in Southern
as: Acemannan (acetylated glucomannan),
and Eastern Africa spreading to Northern
polysaccharides, Sugars, Minerals, organic
Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, China, Gibraltar,
acids, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, lignin,
the Mediterranean and the West
saponins(Khanam & Sharma, 2013).
Indies(Radha & Laxmipriya, 2015). Despite its
The latex containing hydroxylanthracene
long history, the biochemical details of its
derivative is valued for its cathartic effect and
physiological and pathological effects remain
used as a bittering agent in
understudied. Aloe vera has been acclaimed
beverages .Commercial production of Aloe
for its numerous health benefits including
vera gel involves processing leaves by:
treating fever, wounds, burns, gastrointestinal
1: Grinding inner fillet after removing rind and
disorders, diabetes and sexual vitality issues.
latex
Its extracts are used in various products and
2:Whole leaf processing with subsequent
studies have confirmed its effectiveness in
filtration/purification(Habeeb et al., 2007).
treating skin diseases, controlling
Aloe vera gel is marketed fresh, powdered or
cardiovascular risk factors, and managing
formulated for food, health, medicinal, and
diabetes.
cosmetic purposes(Sonawane, Gokhale, Mulla,
The plant contains over 70 biologically active
Kandu, & Patil, 2021).This review aims to
compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory,
evaluate the effects of Aloe vera gel and leaf
antioxidant, immune-boosting, anticancer,
extract on skin infection isolates,it’s
healing, anti-aging, and antidiabetic
therapeutic effects comparing its efficacy
properties. Research has demonstrated its
with standard antibiotics.
antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral activities
Historical Background:
making it effective against acne, herpes, and
scabies(Raksha, Pooja, & Babu, 2014).The
Aloe vera has a rich history that spans mycobacterium tuberculosis as well as
thousands of years with numerous notable antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas
figures utilizing its benefits. Alexander the
aeruginosa, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus
Great and Christopher Columbus employed
and salmonella typhi. Streptococcus
aloe vera to treat wounded soldiers while
pyogenes and streptococcus physalis are
Cleopatra added it into her beauty routine for
two microorganisms that were inhibited
its rejuvenating properties. The plant’s value
by the aloe Vera gel(Danish, Ali, Hafeez, &
was even a catalyst for war as Hannibal
fought to control North Africa’s aloe vera- Malik, 2020).

growing regions around 1750 BC. Anti fungal effect:

In modern times, the therapeutic potential of Research has demonstrated the antifungal
aloe vera has been extensively studied. A properties of Aloe vera through its ability
1934 medical paper described using whole to progressively inhibit the growth of
aloe vera leaves to treat radiation dermatitis Malassezia furfur on Sabouraud’s
paving the way for further research.
dextrose agar medium. Additionally, a
Throughout the 20th century numerous
processed Aloe vera gel preparation has
papers and reports highlighted aloe vera’s
been shown to effectively restrict the
anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer
growth of Candida albicans, a common
properties primarily focusing on the gel or
fungal pathogen(Danish et al., 2020).
juice extracted from the entire leaf. Today,
aloe vera’s versatility and therapeutic value Comparative analysis has revealed that

are well-established solidifying its place in Aloe vera exhibits superior efficacy
natural medicine and beauty compared to other tested species,
treatments(Minwuyelet et al., 2017). underscoring its potential as a natural
Antimicrobial Properties: antifungal agent. Furthermore, studies on

Aloe Vera inhibits the growth of mycelium development have shown that

microorganisms responsible for the pulp of Aloe vera significantly impedes

foodborne illness in humans or animals as the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and

well as food spoilage. Colletotrichum coccodes, two fungi

Antibacterial effect: responsible for various plant diseases.

The aloe Vera extract was lethal against Specifically, the pulp reduces the rate of

strains of myocardium and a strong anti colony growth, highlighting Aloe vera’s

mycobacterial activity against potential applications in agricultural and

pharmaceutical contexts(Danish et al., concentration reduced fabric
2020). whiteness(Ammayappan & Jeyakodi
Antiviral effect: Moses, 2009).
Aloe vera’s anthraquinones exhibit
antiviral properties inhibiting enveloped
viruses. Lectin fractions from Aloe vera gel
suppress cytomegalovirus proliferation in
cell culture likely by disrupting protein
synthesis. Specifically, Aloe emodin
effectively combats herpes simplex virus,
influenza virus, and pseudorabies virus
demonstrating broad-spectrum efficacy.
Phytochemical Properties of Aloe
These findings highlight Aloe vera’s
vera:
potential therapeutic applications in
Phytochemical analysis of Aloe vera leaf
combating viral infections.
extracts revealed the presence of
Aloevera gel extract effect of textile
bioactive compounds including alkaloids,
(cotton):
tannins, flavonoids and phenolic
Cotton has long been recognized as media
compound with no detectable cyanogenic
to support the growth of Microorganisms
glycosides. To assess antimicrobial activity,
such as bacteria and fungi. Among all the
methanol, ethanol and Di-Methyl
natural antimicrobial agents the plant
sulfoxide extracts were tested against four
products comprise the major
human clinical pathogens using the agar
segment(Ibrahim, Sarwar, Abid, Munir, &
well diffusion method(Kahramanoğlu,
Azeem, 2017).
Chen, Chen, & Wan, 2019).
The antibacterial efficacy and softening
The results showed that methanol
properties of Aloe Vera gel extract on
extracts exhibited the highest
cotton fabric were evaluated. The pad-dry
antibacterial activity followed by ethanol
method with high extract concentrations
and Di-Methyl sulfoxide. Notably,
demonstrated superior antibacterial
methanolic and ethanolic extracts
activity whereas coating methods showed
demonstrated remarkable antibacterial
limited effectiveness. Additionally,
efficacy compared to the standard
increased temperature and high extract
antibiotic tetracycline, which was tensile strength by stimulating cellular
ineffective against E. coli and S. proliferation, achieved through increased
boydii(Ammayappan & Jeyakodi Moses, blood flow to the affected area. Its
2009). This suggests that Aloe vera is a mechanism involves boosting collagen
potent antimicrobial agent outperforming production and cross-linking facilitating
conventional antibiotics. wound contraction and reducing scar
Furthermore, the brine shrimp (Artemia tissue. Additionally, Aloe vera elevates
salina) toxicity test yielded an LC50 value hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate
of 569.52 ppm indicating that Aloe vera levels in granulating tissue promoting
plant extracts have relatively low toxic healing. A 5.5 kDa glycoprotein isolated
effects(Thu, Mon, Khaing, & Tun, 2013). from Aloe vera has also been shown to
These findings support the safety and enhance human keratinocyte migration
efficacy of using Aloe vera plant extract as further supporting its wound healing
an antimicrobial agent(Arunkumar & potential.
Muthuselvam, 2009).

2: Moisturizing and anti aging effect:

Aloe vera is a highly sought-after
ingredient in the dermatological industry
utilized in over 95% of valuable products.
Its exceptional moisturizing properties
enable the skin to hydrate itself more
efficiently removing dead skin cells and
promoting collagen and elastin production.
Medicinal and therapeutic This enhances skin elasticity, reducing
properties of Aloevera: wrinkles and reversing degenerative

1: Burn and wound healing property: changes. Aloe vera’s cohesive action on

Aloe vera is renowned for its exceptional epidermal cells and amino acid content

burn and wound healing properties also soften the skin making it an ideal

promoting accelerated recovery and ingredient in cosmetics and

tissue repair. When applied topically, Aloe dermatological procedures(Sharma,

vera enhances wound closure rates and Kharkwal, Kharkwal, Abdin, & Varma,
2014).
 nutrient transport to bodily cells. By
3:Anti inflammatory effects:
neutralizing free radicals and promoting
Aloe vera gel’s anti-inflammatory
cellular health, Aloe vera’s antioxidant
properties alleviate pain, reduce swelling,
effects may have far-reaching
and accelerate healing. Its sterols,
benefits(Khanam & Sharma, 2013).
particularly lupeol have been shown to
6: Immunomodulatory effect:
decrease inflammation by up to 37% in a
Aloe vera extract enhances immune
dose-dependent manner demonstrating
function by increasing white blood cells
Aloe vera’s potential as a natural analgesic
and macrophages activating cytokine
and anti-inflammatory agent(Sánchez,
production and nitric oxide release and
González-Burgos, Iglesias, & Gómez-
modulating cell surface markers through
Serranillos, 2020).
its polysaccharides and lectins(Kwon et al.,
4:Anti Diabetic effect:
2011).
Aloe vera gel exhibits hypoglycemic and
7: Effect on gastric acid secretions and
hypolipidemic effects lowering blood
ulcers:
sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol and free
Aloe vera gel treats and prevents gastric
fatty acids. It restores healthy HDL and
ulcers through anti-inflammatory, healing,
LDL levels and reduces oxidative damage
and mucus-stimulating effects. Its lectins
through antioxidant activity. Studies
inhibit gastric acid output by targeting
confirm Aloe vera’s potential in managing
parietal cells reducing aminopyrine uptake
blood sugar and lipid profiles although
and acid production.
results may vary depending on extraction
8: Arthritis, joint, muscle pain and
methods.
laxative effect:
5: Anti oxidative effect:
Daily consumption of Aloe vera has been
Aloe vera exhibits remarkable antioxidant
shown to prevent and even reverse
properties attributed to the presence of
arthritis progression. Additionally, Aloe
glutathione peroxidase activity,
gel topical application effectively reduces
superoxide dismutase enzymes and
pain associated with tendinitis and
phenolic antioxidants in its gel (Fig. 6).
injuries by penetrating the skin and
These compounds contribute to Aloe
soothing the affected area. Aloe vera also
vera’s ability to enhance blood quality
serves as a biological vehicle enhancing
potentially by improving oxygen and
the absorption of other bioactive
ingredients into deep tissue. Furthermore,
the anthraquinones present in Aloe vera
exhibit potent laxative effects increasing
intestinal water content, stimulating
mucus secretion and enhancing intestinal
peristalsis(Gupta & Rawat, 2017).
Conclusion:
Aloe vera’s multifaceted therapeutic profile
backed by its rich phytochemistry positions it
as a valuable natural remedy for various
health conditions. Its established benefits
include wound healing and skin care, anti-
inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial
activities, cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, and
gastroprotective effects, immunomodulation,
9: Antiseptic effect: chemoprevention and dermatological and
Aloe vera boasts an impressive array of mucosal health benefits. With its vast
six antiseptic agent including lupeol, potential Aloe vera has emerged as a
salicylic acid, urea, nitrogen, cinnamonic promising agent in preventive care and

acid, phenols and sulfur. These therapy.

compounds collectively exhibit inhibitory Future aspect:

effects on various microorganisms Looking ahead, future research directions

include the development of standardized
effectively combating fungi, bacteria, and
extraction and processing methods,
viruses.
conducting large-scale clinical trials to
10: Other beneficial properties:
optimize efficacy and dosing regimens and
Aloe vera has been shown to:
phytochemical optimization for synergistic
- Prevent tumor growth
effects. Additionally, exploring
- Protect the liver nanotechnology-based delivery systems,
- Aid radiation skin reactions combinatorial therapies with conventional
- Ease ulcerative colitis treatments and agricultural and
- Treat herpes, psoriasis biotechnological advancements to enhance

- Combat bacterial inflammations bioactive compound yields will further unlock

- Relieve various skin issues Aloe vera’s potential. Its applications in

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