Aloe Species as Valuable Sources of Functional Bioactives

The genus Aloe is an exceptional plant group of Xanthorrhoeaceae family with approximately 500 species. The Aloe species is a novel source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds which can be isolated from various parts (leaves, roots and flowers). More than 130 phytoconstituents of different class have been reported from this genus which includes phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, glycoproteins, coumarins, alkaloids, pyrones, anthrones, naphthalenes, indoles, anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, aloins, aloectic and barbaloin), alkanes, aldehydes, ketones and dicarboxylic acids with potential toxicological and biological activities. Aloe species are widely used as therapeutic and topical agents due its medicinal and pharmacological properties like anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. This review article aimed at the phytochemistry, pharmacotherapy and toxicological profile of the Aloe Genus plants.