Ahmed et al., 2013 29 Chemical Composition and Biochemical Activity of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) Leaves

Aloe.vera has a long history as a medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic applications. This study was conducted to determine chemical composition and biochemical activity of A. vera leaves. Proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude protein, crude lipid and crude fibre), ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, amylase, reducing sugars and total soluble sugars were determined. Moisture content of 97.42 ± 0.13 % was observed, while average percent ash, fiber, protein and fat contents were 16.88 ± 0.04%, 73.35 ± 0.30%, 6.86 ± 0.06 % and 2.91 ± 0.09 % respectively along with traces of ascorbic acid (0.004 ± 0.05%). Variable levels (IU/mg) of superoxide dismutase (802.14 ± 55.6-2830.19 ± 37.09), peroxidase (1.46 ± 0.06-3.72 ± 0.19), catalase (1.56 ± 0.14-2.8 ± 0.19) and amylase (0.97 ± 0.82-24.02 ± 1.5) were observed in the extracts. Total soluble and reducing sugars accounted for 120.68 ± 7.24-363.03 ± 9.25 mg/mL and 97.23 ± 0.05-123.33 ± 0.74 mg/mL. Overall, this investigation has provided a succinct resume of information regarding the chemical composition and biochemical activity of A. vera leaves. It would be worthwhile embarking on an intensive scientific experimentation and investigation on this valuable medicinal plant and to promote its large-scale utilization