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Mar-Aprl 2015

ALOE VERA: THE MIRACLE MEDICINE

MEDIC MENTOR

By

ABSTRACT Naturopathy is picking up as the treatment option of choice in the western countries. Due to minimal side effects, highly effective treatment outcomes and increasing patient awareness, the naturopathy treatment is in vogue. One such agent is the Aloe Vera plant. A native of North Africa, it requires least amount of rainfall for its survival. The medicinal properties of this plant are incomparable and it is gradually sighting its use in dentistry also. The aim of this article is to highlight the current uses in medicine and dentistry and its potential uses in dentistry. INTRODUCTION Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm height and spreads by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to greygreen, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces.1 The margins of the leaf are serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on the spike, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla.2,3

Dr. Puneeta Duggal

Aloe, First Aid Plant.3,4 The species vera means “true” or “genuine”.4 It is also known as the “Lily of the Desert” as it most commonly grows in arid (tropical environment). Aloe Vera plant is remarkable because it is one of the most durable plants known to mankind. The plant has a miraculous ability to self-seal, and contains all the nutrients within its leaf in order to survive. When the leaf is damaged, the plant seals the wound and regenerates in a short time. Also, it thrives in an arid environment and can withstand extreme heat and physical abuse. This plant is also known as the ‘Medicine Plant’. It can be easily grown at home and used in common at home remedies. The Aloe vera leaf consists of 2 different parts: central mucilaginous part and peripheral bundle sheath cells. The parenchymal tissue makes up the inner portion of the aloe leaves and produces a clear, thin tasteless jelly-like material called Aloe vera gel.4 In recent years, various cosmetic and medical products are made from the mucilaginous tissue present in the center of the Aloe vera leaf in the form of Aloe vera gel. The problem with Aloe is maintaining its therapeutic function because it is unstable and oxidises rapidly like any cut leaf or fruit, therefore the Aloe Vera gel has to be Stabalized using anti-oxidants (that is generally done in the commercial products). HISTORICAL ASPECT Aloe Vera has a prestigious history, as the medicinal uses of the Aloe Vera plant traces back to the PreChristian times. It also sights its reference in the Bible.

Aloe Vera plant known as Aloe Barbadensis Miller and is commonly known as Babosa belongs to family Liliaceace. The gel and mucilage from this plant is used as a natural remedy for the treatment of various systemic and oral conditions. The other common names of this plant are Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn

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The earliest record of Aloe Vera was seen in 2100 BC in Sumerian era. Aloe Vera has been found described in writings in many different cultures and as far back as the Greek, Egyptians, and Roman eras.5 Ancient Hebrew tribes used to uproot their aloe plants when they migrated, replant them upon arriving at their destination, and the plants would flourish again.


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