Phytotherapeutic effects of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller): A mini-review

Despite several modern pharmacological treatments, there is still an increasing demand for traditional, accessible and affordable natural treatments with less adverse effects such as medicinal plants. The aim of this review was to summarize the published data on several therapeutic effects of aloe vera.

A literature search was carried out using Google scholar, PubMed and Science direct with keywords such as bioactive compound, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, antioxidant, inflammation, body immune system, cancer, wound healing, and antimicrobial activity, in combination with Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis Miller. The search was limited to studies published in English.

A total of 54 papers out of 63 randomized controlled trials and review articles were finally selected. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is one of the most well-known herbal medicines with considerable medicinal properties such as hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory, anticancer, wound healing, antibacterial and antiviral activities. Many of the health benefits associated with aloe vera have been attributed to its various bioactive natural components such as vitamins, anthraquinones and polysaccharides.

Chemical compounds contained naturally in A. vera are expanding our disease treatment choices and benefit us with their wide range of properties for the management of diverse disorders. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to conduct further intensive scientific studies on this multipurpose medicinal plant to promote its large-scale utilization.