Aloe vera - Defination, types, Uses

Morphology of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent perennial herb with fleshy, green leaves arranged in a rosette at the base. The leaves are thick, lance-shaped, and serrated along the margins with small spines. The leaf surface is covered with a waxy cuticle to reduce water loss, while the inner mesophyll stores mucilaginous gel rich in bioactive compounds. It bears a tall flowering stalk with tubular yellow or orange flowers arranged in clusters. The root system is fibrous, adapted to absorb water efficiently in arid habitats.

Active Ingredients in Aloe Vera Leaves

Aloe vera leaves have three layers. The 15–20 cell thick protective layer that synthesizes proteins and carbohydrates makes up the outermost layer. Anthraquinones, chromones, polysaccharides, and enzymes are some of the main ingredients. The gel contains a variety of elements, including Al, B, Ba, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, P, and Si.

There are three layers in the leaf’s transverse section.

• Outer Protective Layer

• Middle Layer

• Colourless Inner Layer

Outer Protective Layer

A bitter yellow latex can be seen in the pericyclic tubules of the outer layer. It contains 15–40% of the compounds of hydroxyanthracene, anthraquinone, and the glycosides aloin A and B. As other active aloe ingredients, hydroxyanthrone, aloe-emodin-anthrone 10-C-glucoside, and chrones are also found.

Middle Layer

A coating of bitter yellow is made up of glycosides and anthraquinones. The juice that comes from the nearby leaf parenchyma and pericycle cells and flows continuously from the cut leaf is easily dried with or without the aid of heat. Aloe vera gel, which is likewise a clear, mucilaginous gel made from parenchymatous leaf cells, should not be confused with this, though. These parenchymatous cells are made up of vitamins, enzymes, and other organic and inorganic substances in addition to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and amino acids.

Inner Layer

In addition to glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols, and vitamins, the innermost layer includes up to 99% water. Vitamins, enzymes, minerals, carbohydrates, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids round out the list of key constituents. Along with numerous monosaccharides and polysaccharides, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C, niacinamide, choline, and a number of inorganic components, enzymes (such as acid and alkaline phosphatase, amylase, lactate dehydrogenase, and lipase), and organic compounds, it also contains a number of monosaccharides and polysaccharides (aloin, barbaloin, and emodin)

Chemical Composition of Aloe Vera Gel

Cell wall, microparticles, and liquid gel, which together account for 16.2%, 0.7%, and 83.1% of the dry pulp (w/w), respectively, make up the fresh gel's 99.1% water content and 0.9% dry matter content of mesophyll cells. Mannose in the form of mannose-6-phosphate is the sugar component. The five neutral sugars (glucose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, and galactose) make up 69.2% of the gel's total sugar content. The major form of mucopolysaccharides is acemannan. The anthraquinone content, which is an impurity from the aloe vera leaf extract, is less than 50 ppm. Other constituents include numerous vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids that are only slightly present.

Cultivation and Growth Condition

Aloe vera has long been cultivated as a decorative plant. The species is well-liked by contemporary gardeners for its useful therapeutic properties as well as its attractive blossoms, shape, and succulence. They show adaptations that help them to survive in environments with little to no natural rainfall due to its succulence making it perfect for rockeries and other low-water gardens.

The species is resistant to harsh frost and snow and is hardy in zones 8 to 11. Although the species is generally resistant to insect pests, spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and some aphid species can harm plants. This plant has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

It is advised to use packaged "cacti and succulent mix" or a high-quality commercial propagation mix since they allow for good drainage. Because they are porous, terra cotta pots are preferred. Before rewatering, potted plants should be given a full chance to dry out. Aloes can become overcrowded in pots as "pups" sprout from the sides of the "mother plant." In order to make space for more growth, crowded plants might be divided and repotted. Alternatively, the pups can be left with the mother plant. Aloe vera may go dormant in the winter, which means that minimal hydration is needed. The species should ideally be kept indoors or in heated glasshouses in regions that experience frost or snow.

Aloe Vera in Cosmetic

Aloe vera is produced in significant quantities for the cosmetics industry in Australia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, India, Jamaica, Spain, where it grows well even inland, Kenya, Tanzania. Aloe vera can be made into a lotion, gel, soap, or cosmetic product for topical application to the skin.

Side Effects of Aloe Vera

People who are allergic to aloe vera may experience skin reactions such as contact dermatitis, which manifests as minor redness and itching, breathing issues, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited over-the-counter (OTC) laxative products in the United States in 2002 due to manufacturers' failure to provide the required safety data, aloin, a chemical present in the semi-liquid latex of several Aloe species, was still a common ingredient.

Aloe vera juice is advertised as supporting the health of the digestive system, although no regulatory approval nor scientific basis exists for this claim. Toxicology is connected with the extracts and amounts commonly utilized for such objectives in a dose-dependent manner.

Why Aloe Vera is Called the Wonder Plant

Aloe vera, or aloe vera gel, has several health advantages, from regulating body temperature to treating burns and wounds. Aloe vera has been given FDA approval for usage in food supplements, herbal treatments, cosmetics, and flavouring. The following are a few of aloe vera's main medicinal benefits:

• Wound Healing: Radiation burns and radiation ulcers are treated with aloe vera.

• Anti-Inflammatory Action: Campesterol, -sitosterol, lupeol, and cholesterol are among the sterols found in aloe vera gel that are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and lower inflammation-related pain by up to 37%.

• Moisturising and Anti-Aging Agent: Gel enhances skin integrity and lessens wrinkles and acne. Additionally, it has a cooling effect and moisturizes the skin. The skin cells are softened by amino acids, and zinc helps to close the pores.

• Antitumor Activity: Glycoproteins have cancer-reducing and antinuclear properties and promote human dermal cell growth.

• Maintaining Oral Hygiene: According to reports, aloe vera in tooth gels is particularly good at preventing cavities. Aloe vera gels can often reduce mouth germs more effectively than conventional toothpaste.

The active components found in leaves have the ability to improve human health in a variety of ways. It is without a doubt a gift from nature to humans that is widely employed in aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. Given all of its accomplishments, we can refer to it as the "Wonder Plant."

Aloe Vera NEET MCQs

Q1. The botanical name of Aloe vera is:

1. Aloe indica

2. Aloe barbadensis miller

3. Aloe officinalis

4. Aloe succulenta

Correct answer: 2) Aloe barbadensis miller

Explanation:

The widely used botanical name for Aloe vera in textbooks and pharmacopeias is Aloe barbadensis Miller (often written as Aloe barbadensis Mill.). This succulent is prized for its mucilaginous leaf gel used in soothing, moisturizing, and wound-healing preparations. Older or alternative names such as Aloe indica and Aloe officinalis appear in historical literature but are not the standard in modern teaching contexts.

Hence, the correct answer is 2) Aloe barbadensis miller.

Q2. Which bioactive compound in Aloe vera gel is responsible for anti-inflammatory properties?

1. Lignin

2. Sterols (lupeol, campesterol, sitosterol)

3. Acemannan

4. Aloin

Correct answer: 2) Sterols (lupeol, campesterol, sitosterol)

Explanation:

The anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera gel is chiefly attributed to its plant sterols, notably lupeol, campesterol, and β-sitosterol, which modulate inflammatory mediators and help reduce pain, redness, and swelling. By contrast, acemannan (an acetylated polysaccharide) is better known for immunomodulatory and wound-healing support; aloin (an anthraquinone from the latex, not the gel) has laxative action; and lignin is a structural component that can enhance penetration of other actives but is not the primary anti-inflammatory agent. Hence, sterols best explain the gel’s anti-inflammatory activity.

Hence, the correct answer is 2) Sterols (lupeol, campesterol, sitosterol).

Q3. Aloe vera belongs to which family?

1. Liliaceae

2. Fabaceae

3. Solanaceae

4. Asteraceae

Correct answer: 1) Liliaceae

Explanation:

Aloe vera is placed in the family Liliaceae, aligning with traditional classification. Members typically are monocots with parallel venation and often show succulent adaptations, as Aloe does. The other families listed—Fabaceae (legumes), Solanaceae (nightshade family), and Asteraceae (sunflower family)—do not include Aloe and differ markedly in floral and fruit characteristics.

Hence, the correct answer is 1) Liliaceae.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Introduction to Kingdom Plantae

• Gymnosperm

• Angiosperm Life Cycle

FAQs on Aloe Vera

What is the botanical name of Aloe vera?

The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis Miller (also written as Aloe barbadensis Mill.). In some taxonomic systems, it is also referred to as Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. It belongs to the family Liliaceae in older classifications, while modern systems place it under Asphodelaceae. Aloe vera is a succulent plant with fleshy leaves containing a clear gel that is used in medicine, cosmetics, and traditional therapies.

What are the medicinal benefits of Aloe vera?

Aloe vera is known for its wide range of medicinal properties. Its leaf gel has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects. It is commonly used to treat burns, cuts, and skin irritations due to its soothing action. Aloe juice supports digestion and may help in conditions like acidity and constipation. Its bioactive compounds, such as sterols and acemannan, also boost immunity and promote skin and hair health. Because of these properties, Aloe vera has been used in Ayurveda and modern herbal medicine.

What are the side effects of Aloe vera?

While Aloe vera is generally safe, excessive or improper use can cause side effects. Consumption of Aloe latex (the yellow sap beneath the leaf skin) can lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps, and electrolyte imbalance due to its strong laxative effect. Overuse of Aloe supplements may also cause dehydration or low potassium levels. Some individuals may develop allergic reactions or skin irritation when applying Aloe topically. Pregnant and lactating women are usually advised to avoid internal consumption of Aloe preparations.

Why is Aloe vera called the wonder plant?

Aloe vera is often called the “wonder plant” or “plant of immortality” because of its diverse therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Its gel can be used for skin care, wound healing, burns, and sun protection, while its juice aids in digestion and detoxification. It contains more than 75 active compounds including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids that contribute to overall health. Due to its multi-purpose benefits in medicine, cosmetics, and wellness, Aloe vera has earned its reputation as a wonder plant.