PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ETHNOBOTANICAL EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA

Abstract

Aloe vera is part and parcel of the Liliaceae family. This is one of 250 Aloe Barbadensis species, scientifically known as Aloe Vera. Acemannane, one of the most bioactive polysaccharides of Aloe Vera, has effects of immunity modulation, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, bone repair, neuroprotection and promotion of intestinal health. The mucilaginous gel in the pulp of aloe vera formed by the parenchymal cells has been used for a variety of curative applications since ancient times. Aloe vera is a nutraceutical product used mostly for decades. It is available in a range of health drinks and wellness beverages, in capsules/tablets and in gels & creams externally. This article includes the bioactive components, extraction and processing of aloe vera and the prospects of tissue engineering. This article highlights important uses as a nutraceutical, medicinal, and therapeutic food potential of A. vera constituents. Aloe vera nutraceutical gel scaffolds, such as acemannan, promote biomedical biomedical and polymeric tissue management. The presence of over 200 phytochemicals was revealed by Aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel from its leaves is extracted and the stabilisation and preparation of the final products requires adequate processing techniques.