REVIEW OF ALOE VERA

The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. There are over300 species of aloe, which grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. It belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, and is a shrubby or arborescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea- green color plant. The plant has triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges, yellow tubular flowers and fruits that contain numerous seeds. Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. Several studies was done on aloe vera for evaluating different properties namely Antiulcer activity, Antidiabetic, Antihypercholestermic, Antioxidative Effect, Antibacterial activity, Antiviral activity, Antifungal activity, Antiacne, Cardiac stimulant, Nutraceutical, Moisturizer, Immunomodulator, Protection of skin from UV-A & UV-B rays and Wound healing property. Aloe vera could be used in various conditions like Mild to moderate burns, Erythema, Genital herpes, Seborrheic dermatitis, Psoriasis vulgaris, Skin moisturizer, Type 2 diabetes, Oral lichen planus infections, Angina pectoris, Ulcerative colitis, UV-induced erythema, Kidney stones and Alveolar osteitis. In general, topical application of aloe vera preparations has been regarded as safe as assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. However, several case reports of the development of hypersensitivity reactions and contact dermatitis in response to topically applied aloe gel preparations have been published.