Botanical Name :Aloe Barbadensis, Aloe Vera
Sanskrit name : Ghritakumari
English Name : Indian aloe, Barbados aloe
Family : Liliaceae

Plant Parts Used : Leaves

Description Aloe Barbadensis :
The aloe is a perennial plant; the strong, fibrous root produces a rosette of fleshy basal leaves as in the agave but considerably smaller. The narrow-lanceolate leaves are 1-2 feet long and whitish-green on both sides, and they bear spiny teeth on the margins. The yellow to purplish, drooping flowers, which are evident most of the year, grow in a long raceme at the top of a flower stalk up to 4 1/2 feet high. The fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds

Actions and Uses :

Cathartic action of the drug, limited to large intestine, is attributed to anthraquinone glycosides, chiefly aloin. Latter is not absorbed in upper gut but hydrolysed to the active aglycone at the site of action in the colon and rectum by intestinal bacteria. The anthrones irritate the mucus membrane leading to an increase in the secretion of mucus, thus stimulating peristalsis. Also they induce an active secretion of water and electrolytes into the lumen of the gut, and inhibit the absorption of electrolytes and water by the colon.
Prolonged use of aloe barbadensis may severely affect the electrolyte balance and loss of potassium may ultimately reduce the laxative action and disturb the cardiac rhythm in heart patients. Larger doses leads to accumulation of blood in pelvic region and reflux stimulation of uterine muscles and may bring about abortion or premature birth in late pregnancy. Toxic doses can also cause kidney damage. Active principles generally appear in the milk during lactation. Due to these reasons the drug is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, kidney complaints and irritable bowel conditions.

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