A REVIEW ON ALOE VERA-THE WONDER MEDICINAL PLANT

Abstract

Aloe vera, a succulent plant that grows in arid and subtropical climates is best known for its medicinal properties and is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine. It has been in use for a long time by people of varied cultures and traditional uses include applications to reduce perspiration, oral dosing for diabetes and to get rid of a range of gastrointestinal ailments. It is also used to treat burn wounds, minor cuts, genital herpes, and seborrheic dermatitis. The leaves of this wonderful medicinal plant contain numerous vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, enzymes, amino acids, and as well rich in various bioactive compounds that exhibit emollient, purgative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, aphrodisiac, antiseptic and cosmetic values. Many cosmetic industries widely use this plant owing to its healing and nourishing properties.  Keywords: Aloe vera, Medicinal Uses, bioactive compounds, Cosmetic industries