Therapeutic potential of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis): A brief review

Abstract

Aloe vera is popularly known as Aloe, a plant that has diversified its role in curative medicine since ancient societies, standing out as a perennial species that has a high capacity to resist drought. Belongs to the order Liliales, family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, genus Aloe and species A. vera (A. barbadensis). It is a plant with great therapeutic potential, possessing medicinal properties for human health, and is also used in skin care and for a variety of commercial products. Its pharmacologically active compounds, present in the gel and in the sap of A. vera, are found in the internal parenchymal tissue and external pericyclic tubules. The study highlights the active principles and chemical properties of alloin used as a laxative, the presence of polysaccharides such as acemanan, pectic polysaccharides and phenolic compounds in the production of medicines. A. vera has biological activities with antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, healing and immunomodulatory action present in polysaccharides such as acemanan. The present review is, therefore, interest in the biological activities and therapeutic properties of A. vera for the different fields of use, especially in the health area.