Bioactive Properties and Applications of Aloe Vera Extracts
Summary
Aloe vera extracts comprise a complex mixture of polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, anthraquinones and chromones that collectively impart a broad spectrum of bioactivities. Chief among these is acemannan, an acetylated glucomannan responsible for immunomodulatory, antiviral and tissue-regenerative effects. Phenolic constituents and chromones confer potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while anthraquinones such as aloe-emodin and aloin exhibit antimicrobial, laxative and emerging anticancer activities. Extraction methods—from conventional solvent maceration to green technologies like supercritical fluid and ultrasound-assisted processes—seek to maximise yield, purity and bioactivity. Applications span wound healing formulations, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering. The versatility of Aloe vera derivatives continues to drive global interest in developing sustainable, scalable processes and novel delivery systems for therapeutic, cosmetic and food-industry uses.
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Bioactive Properties and Applications of Aloe Vera Extracts publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive properties and applications of aloe vera extracts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Acemannan: Natural acetylated polysaccharide from Aloe vera gel known for its immunomodulatory, antiviral and tissue-regenerative properties.
Anthraquinones: Aromatic compounds, including aloe-emodin and aloin, with laxative, antimicrobial and potential anticancer activities.
Polysaccharide: Long-chain carbohydrate molecules such as glucomannans that confer viscosity and bioactivity in plant extracts.
Phenolic compounds: Secondary metabolites characterised by hydroxylated aromatic rings that contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Antioxidant activity: Ability of molecules to neutralise reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage.
References
- Biological activities of hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) from Aloe species and their potential uses. Phytochemistry Reviews (2025).
- A New Biomaterial Derived from Aloe vera—Acemannan from Basic Studies to Clinical Application. Pharmaceutics (2023).
- Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. Molecules (2020).
- Extraction, Purification, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Pharmacological Applications of Acemannan, a Polysaccharide from Aloe vera: A Review. Molecules (2019).
- Compositional Features and Bioactive Properties of Aloe vera Leaf (Fillet, Mucilage, and Rind) and Flower. Antioxidants (2019).
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