Aloe in modern pharmaceutical practice

Vrste roda Aloe već se stoljećima široko upotrebljavaju u narodnoj medicini. Tradicionalno se koriste interno kao laksativ i topikalno za rane i kožna stanja, a danas se istražuju njihove nove indikacije. Od lista vrsta Aloe barbadensis Mill. i Aloe ferox Mill. dobivaju se oficijelne droge (lateks) čije monografije postoje u Europskoj farmakopeji (Aloe barbadensis, Aloe capensis i Aloes extractum siccum normatum), zatim Aloe vera gel i ekstrakt cijelog lista. Pretkliničkim i kliničkim studijama utvrđena je učinkovitost lateksa kod konstipacije te potencijal ekstrakta i gela u terapiji opeklina, dijabetesa te nekih patoloških stanja usne šupljine. U indikaciji psorijaze, cijeljenju rana, terapiji gastrointestinalnih poremećaja još uvijek nije ustanovljena zadovoljavajuća razina kliničkih dokaza.Aloe species have been widely used for centuries in folk medicine. Traditionally, they are used internally as laxatives and topically for wounds and skin conditions. Their new indications are being investigated today. Official drugs (latex) is produced from the leaves of Aloe barbadensis Mill. i Aloe ferox Mill. and their monographs exists in European Pharmacopoeia (Aloe barbadensis, Aloe capensis and Aloes extractum siccum normatum) as well as Aloe vera gel and whole-leaf extract. Efficacy of the latex in constipation and potential efficacy of the gel and the extract in wound, diabetes and patological oral conditions treatment have been proved in preclinical and clinical trials. There are still not enough clinical evidence for its indication in psoriasis, wound healing and gastrointestinal desorders