Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

The purpose of this review is to discuss about the interesting History, Cultivation and medicinal uses of Aloe vera. Aloe vera is the oldest and the most applied medicinal plant worldwide. The Aloe vera plant is a member of lily plant known as Aloe barbadensis which is full of juice and closes similar to a cactus.  Due to its cactus like feel, Aloe is often mistakenly called a Desert Cacti. There are over 250 species of aloe grown around the world. However, only two species are grown today commercially, with Aloe barbadensis Miller and Aloe arborescens being the most popular. Aloe is native to North Africa and Spain, now the plant is also grown in the hot dry regions of Asia, Europe and America. For centuries, it has been medicinally used for an array of ailments such as mild fever, wounds and burns, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, sexual vitality and fertility problems to cancer, immune modulation, AIDS and various skin diseases. In the pharmaceutical industry, it has been used for the manufacture of topical products such as ointments and gel preparations, as well as in the production of tablets and capsules. So, there is an urgent need to educate about the miraculous uses of Aloe vera along with its cultivation methods for human race and popularize it for greater interest.

Aloe vera: a wonder plant its history, cultivation and medicinal uses