Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Aloe gel: A natural remedy with multiple health benefits

Aloe gel is a natural edible hydrocolloid comprising anthraquinones, anthrones, chromones, alkaloids, pyrans, pyrones, and coumarins. Aloin, aloesin, aloenin, aloeresin, aloe-emodin, and chrysophanol are its major bioactive compounds. Traditionally, the gel is used to alleviate symptoms associated with wound healing, burning sensations, insect bites, stretch marks, pimples, wrinkles, digestive impairments, and infections. It also offers diverse medicinal benefits, including antioxidants, anti-aging, anti-ulcer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Due to these health benefits, the present study focused on the phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal, and pharmacological effects of aloe gel. Clinical and safety assessment studies have also been provided. The wound-healing and anti-aging activities were the most extensively studied. Efforts were made to establish a relationship between phytochemistry and pharmacology; however, the available pharmacological and clinical studies did not align with the recent consensus. Therefore, the genus requires further research to explore its phytochemistry (including synergistic and antagonistic relationships), pharmacology, and clinical applications.