International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Archana Kumari, Munchun Kumari, Md. Faizan Alam, Divakar, Amrita Kumari, Dr. Balwant Singh
Abstract: Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., commonly known as Ghritkumari, is an important medicinal plant extensively utilized in traditional and modern healthcare systems because of its remarkable therapeutic and pharmacological properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, pharmacological significance, and ethnobotanical applications of Aloe vera through integrated laboratory analysis, microscopic examination, ethnobotanical survey, and literature evaluation. Authenticated plant materials collected from different medicinal plant centers were subjected to sequential solvent extraction and phytochemical screening using standard analytical methods. The results revealed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds including anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, glycosides, proteins, and mucilage. Methanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited the highest phytochemical richness and biological potential. Microscopic studies confirmed characteristic anatomical features such as epidermal tissue, chlorenchyma, latex-containing pericyclic cells, and mucilage-rich parenchymatous gel tissue. Ethnobotanical investigations demonstrated extensive traditional use of the plant in treating burns, wounds, skin diseases, gastric disorders, constipation, diabetes, inflammation, and hair problems among local healers and herbal practitioners. Pharmacological evaluation highlighted significant wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities primarily associated with compounds such as acemannan, aloin, aloe-emodin, vitamins, enzymes, and phenolic antioxidants. The study validates the scientific basis of traditional medicinal uses of Aloe vera and emphasizes its considerable pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and commercial importance. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for standardized extraction procedures, dosage optimization, and long-term clinical studies to ensure safe and evidence-based therapeutic utilization.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20404560
