REVIEW ON ALOE VERA GEL

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is one of the most widely utilized medicinal plants, valued for its therapeutic, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. The plant contains a rich spectrum of bioactive compounds including aloins, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, anthraquinones, enzymes, and amino acids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and moisturizing properties. The present review highlights the importance of Aloe vera gel, focusing on its traditional uses, chemical profile, pharmacological actions, mechanisms of wound healing, and its relevance in modern formulations.

The review also describes the extraction, preparation, and stabilization processes of Aloe vera gel, along with the excipients used in gel formulation such as Carbopol 940, TEA, glycerine, and preservatives. Evaluation parameters including pH, viscosity, homogeneity, microbial load, GC–MS profiling, absorption, and skin irritancy tests are discussed to ensure the quality and safety of the formulated gel. Aloe vera gel has demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating burns, wounds, dermatitis, and other skin conditions, while clinical evidence also supports its role in pain management and prevention of alveolar osteitis following dental extractions.

Overall, Aloe vera gel represents a safe, natural, and effective herbal formulation with wide dermatological and pharmaceutical applications. Continued research in standardization, clinical evaluation, and formulation development is recommended to further enhance its therapeutic value and commercial potential.

KEYWORDS: Aloe vera gel; Aloe barbadensis Miller; Herbal formulation; Aloe polysaccharides; Acemannan; Carbopol 940; Wound healing; Anti-inflammatory; Antioxidant activity; Topical gel; Herbal cosmetics; Phytoconstituents; Gel evaluation; Skin moisturizer.