Aloe vera (locally called ghee-kuar) is a plant that has been revered for its unique properties since as far back as 2100BC. The ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs and Indians were all familiar with this wondrous plant and many physicians of those times (such as Dioscorides and Galen) included aloe vera in their list of medicinal plants. It is believed that Egyptian queens like Nefertiti and Cleopatra also used aloe vera as a cosmetic and beauty aid.

There are more than 300 species of the genus found around the world but Aloe barbadensis is considered most beneficial. The plant contains 99 per cent water with an average pH of 4.5. The solid material contains 75 different ingredients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, phenolic compounds, lignins, saponins, amino acids and salicylic acid. It contains all the important oxidants such as vitamins A, C and E. Thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, choline and folic acid are also present.

Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, chromium and iron are also found in aloe vera. Magnesium lactate inhibits the formation of histamines which cause extreme itching in allergic reactions. It also contains several enzymes and when aloe vera is taken orally, several of the biochemical catalysts such as amylase and lipase aid in digestion by breaking down fats and sugars.

Sugars are found in the mucilage layer of the plant and the rind, surrounding the gel. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins; aloe vera provides 20 of the 22 amino acids needed by the human body. Saponins are a soapy substance found in the gel and are believed to be general cleansers with antibiotic properties. Steroids including campesterol, sitosterol and lupeol as well as phenolic compounds are found in the sap. The bitter aloe consists of free phenolic compounds and their derivatives. In large amounts these phenolic compounds deliver a powerful purgative effect but in smaller quantities they aid absorption of food nutrients from the gut and are strong antimicrobial agents. Applied topically they absorb ultra violet light and reduce the formation of melanin as well as the tendency to hyper pigmentation.

Lignin is the substance which allows topical aloe preparations to carry other active ingredients deep into the skin to nourish the dermis. Presently a large number of cosmetic creams based on aloe vera are sold in the local and foreign markets. Aloe vera can be taken as a drink or applied topically. A variety of aloe vera commonly grown in the nurseries and gardens of Karachi is used in making a kind of sweet dish which is said to be effective in controlling the common ailment of arthritis.

Not only does aloe vera provide nutrition and deliver an anti-inflammatory action, it also has a wide range of antimicrobial properties. It speeds up the healing of damaged tissue in burns and leg ulcers by providing essential micronutrients, an anti-inflammatory effect, antimicrobial action and the stimulation of skin fibrosis; it has been effectively used in the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers.