The phytochemical constituents and therapeutic uses of genus Aloe: A review

Aida Puia,Cosmin Puia,Florin Graur,Emil Moiș,Alin Fetti,Mira Florea

doi:10.15835/nbha49212332

Abstract

Aloe, the largest genus in the Asphodelaceae family, comprises 548 species, with A. vera, A. arborescens and A. ferox being among the most widely studied species. Aloe species originated in arid climates and cover various habitats, from sea level up to 2700 m, and from desert to closed-canopy forests. For human health, Aloe species are the richest natural sources. The biological activity of Aloe sp. constituents covers a wide spectrum. Most of the indications come from traditional, folkloric use and several have been verified by in vitro or in vivo studies. Emodin, the main phenolic component, has showed anti-neoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and toxicological potential for use in pharmacology. Polysaccharides, with acemannan being the most important, are present in high abundance in Aloe gels. Acemannan has been reported to have applications in oral, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, oncology, dentistry and wound healing. The effectiveness of Aloe sp. constituents on colon, liver, duodenum, skin, pancreas, intestine, lungs and kidneys cancers was highly studied with remarkable findings. Regarding the metabolic syndrome, Aloe sp. can be used as an antidiabetic and reduces cholesterol and total body fat. Constituents of Aloe sp. are nontoxic in experimental acute oral studies and are widely used in cosmetology and as bitter agents or consistence modifiers in food and beverages. Traditional Aloe remedies cover most human diseases; however, in order to gain legitimacy, the Aloe-derived drugs must have a well-established composition, with thoroughly investigated adverse effects and conventional drug interactions.

Highlights

Aloe, the largest genus in the Asphodelaceae family, bears its name from the Arabic word “Alloeh,” meaning shining bitter substances (Sánchez et al, 2020)
Aloe species originated in arid climates and cover various habitats, from sea level up to 2700 m, and from desert to closed-canopy forests
The effectiveness of Aloe sp. constituents on colon, liver, duodenum, skin, pancreas, intestine, lungs and kidneys cancers was highly studied with remarkable findings

Summary

Introduction

The largest genus in the Asphodelaceae family, bears its name from the Arabic word “Alloeh,” meaning shining bitter substances (Sánchez et al, 2020). Berger), commonly known as the bitter Aloe or Cape aloe, is a polymorphic species indigenous to the Western Cape region of South Africa It has a single, tree-like stem with succulent leaves protected by reddish spines; the name ferrox (Latin for fierce). The most commonly used medicinal parts, can be divided into the following structural components: outer green epidermis, consisting of a thick cuticle and under a zone of chlorenchyma (1); outer pulp region, under the epidermis, containing vascular bundles with bitter sap (latex) that exudes from the leaves when they are cut (2); inner leaf pulp, containing large thin-walled parenchyma cells filled with the colorless mucilaginous gel (containing the aloe gel) (3) (Grindlay and Reynolds, 1986; Salehi et al, 2018).

B2 B6 C β-carotene choline folic acid α-tocopherol

Conclusions