Botanical Name: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
Family: Asphodelaceae
Synonyms: Significant scientific synonyms include Aloe barbadensis Mill., Aloe indica Royle, and Aloe perfoliata var. vera L. In the Sanskrit tradition, it is frequently referred to as Kumari, Grihakanya, and Kanya.
Vernacular Names: The plant is recognized globally and regionally as Gritakumari or Gwarpatha (Hindi), Aloe Vera (English), Ghritakumari (Bengali), Kattralay (Tamil), and Kalabanda (Telugu).
Classification: In terms of habit, Aloe vera is a perennial, succulent, acaulescent (stemless) herb. It is a xerophytic plant characterized by its ability to store significant amounts of water within its fleshy leaves, allowing it to survive in arid environments.
Habitat: Originally native to the Arabian Peninsula, it has become naturalized across North Africa, Southern Europe, and the entire Indian subcontinent. It thrives in subtropical and tropical regions, preferring well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and full sun. It is highly drought-tolerant but sensitive to heavy frost and waterlogged conditions.
Morphology: The plant typically reaches a height of 60–100 cm. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and lanceolate, growing in a dense rosette pattern; they are green to grey-green in color, often with white flecks on young stems, and feature a serrated margin with small white teeth. The flowers are produced on a tall spike reaching up to 90 cm, featuring yellow, tubular corollas. The fruit is a triangular capsule containing numerous seeds.
Useful Parts: The mucilaginous gel found in the parenchymatous cells of the inner leaf and the bitter yellow latex (aloin) found just beneath the leaf skin are the primary medicinal components. The roots are occasionally used in traditional folk medicine.
Chemical Composition: The plant contains over 75 potentially active constituents. These include anthraquinones (such as aloin and emodin), which provide its laxative properties, and polysaccharides (notably acemannan), which contribute to its immunomodulatory effects. It is also rich in vitamins (A, C, E, and B12), enzymes (like bradykinase), minerals, and salicylic acid.
Pharmacological Action: Aloe vera exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, wound-healing (Vranaropaka), and antimicrobial actions. It is widely used as a purgative (specifically the latex) and as a hepatoprotective agent to support liver function. Furthermore, it acts as a moisturizer and emollient for skin conditions and is utilized as an emmenagogue to regulate menstrual cycles.
Formulation/Usage: Traditional applications involve the fermented preparation Kumaryasava, a premier Ayurvedic tonic for liver, digestive, and menstrual health. The fresh gel is applied topically to burns, wounds, and radiation dermatitis. In clinical Ayurveda, the gel is often processed into Kumari Taila (oil) or used in Plihari Vatika for splenic and hepatic disorders.
Rasa:Katu.
Guna: Guru, Snigdha, and Picchila.
Virya: Sheeta.
Vipaka: Katu.