KUMARI
Botanical Name: Aloe vera var chinensis (LILIACEAE)
English Name: Indian Aloe
Hindi Name: Ghrit Kumari
Introduction: This is one of the most commonly used and economical medicinal plants in Indian medicine. It is used extensively both by folk and trade. It is one of the commonest ingredient in herbal cosmetics. It is widely used for burns, wounds, irregular periods, general debility, hemorrhoids, bleeding tendency etc. It is extensively used by the beauticians for the skin care. Ayurvedic texts indicate this plant for the treatment of loss to appetite (Agnimandya) and menstrual irregularities (Artava Dosha).
Distribution: It is thorny, xerophytic, succulent herb which is found extensively all over India. It is abundantly seen in loamy soils and widely cultivated at various places for commercial purpose.
Chemical Constituents: The plant consists of low molecular weight phenolic and chromone components of the latex exudate and glycoproteins. These compounds were identified to be 8-C-glycosl-7-O-methyl-(S)-aloesol, isoaloeresin D, and aloeresin E, respectively. Others are: aloesin, 2’-O-feruloyl aloesin, aloeresin-A, barbaloin, isobarbaloin, aloenin, aloe-emodin and compound 1, 2, 3.
Parts Used: Leaf juice / pulp / gel.
Properties: Bitter, anti-oxidant, wound healing, restorative etc.
Indications: Skin diseases, eye diseases, wounds, urinary tract disorders, swellings etc.
Dose: Dry powder 1-2g; extract 500 mg-1; juice / gel 30-60 ml.
Therapeutic Uses:
- Burns: Ghrit kumari leaf jelly is applied externally.
- Genral debility: Juice of Ghrita kumari is given orally at a dose of 30-60 ml/day.
Scientific Studies:
A.vera has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation. Evidence on the effects of A. vera sap on wound healing, however, is contradictory (Vogler and Ernst, 1999). a study performed in the 1990s showed that the healing time of a moderate to sever burn was reduced when the wound was treated on a r4egular basis with Aloe vera gel, compared to the healing of the wound covered in a gauze bandage ( Farrar, 2005).In contrast, another study suggested wounds to which Aloe vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal (Schmidt and Greenspoon, 1991).
Cultivation Technology: Aloe vera is relatively easy to care for in cultivation in frost-fre climates. The species requires well-drained sandy potting soil in moderate light. If planted in pot or other containers ensure sufficient drainage with drainage holes. The use of a good quality commercial potting mix to which extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand are added is recommended. Alternatively, pre-packaged ‘cacti and succulent mixes’ may also be used. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. During winter, A.vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.
Harvesting: The matured leaves are collected after 6-9months and the gel is obtained. If collected and preserved properly the Aloe gel/ solid cakes yield attractive profits.