Abstract

COSMETIC USE OF ALOE VERA – A REVIEW

*Gomathi Periasamy, Solomon Kassa, Biruk Sintayehu, Mebrahtom G/libanos,Gereziher Geremedhin, Aman Karim

ABSTRACT

Aloe vera is the oldest medicinal plant ever known and used in cosmetics from centuries worldwide, a traditional system of medicine A. vera (Aloe barbadensis) is commonly used to treat different skin diseases, sunburn, mi-nor cuts, insect bites and used as wound healing, antinflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, laxative and psoriasis. The whole plant as well as its specific parts (leaves, roots), plant extracts and its active constituent mucopolysaccharides (MPS) which are long chain sugars have been widely used. Aloe leaves can be separated into two basic products the latex, a bitter yellow liquid beneath the epidermis of the leaf and the gel, a colorless and tasteless substance in the inner part of the leaf. Both of them have many biologically active components, mainly anthraquinones and polysaccharides (the most active is acemannan), which may act alone or in synergy. Cosmetics formulations derived from A. vera have a high potential due to their antioxidant activity. Antioxidants such as vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin E), flavonoids, and phenolic acids play the main role in fighting against free radical species that are the main cause of numerous negative skin changes. Although isolated plant compounds have a high potential in protection of the skin, whole herbs extracts showed better potential due to their complex composition. Scientific studies provide support for the application of A. vera in cosmetic moisturizers and products are available in the form of moisturizing cream, lotion, shampoo and deodorant. This review article summarizes the most recent studies on the various cosmetics use of A. vera.

Keywords: Aloe vera, cosmetic, anthraquinones, antioxidants, mucopolysacharides