Molecular Mechanism of Aloe barbadensis Miller as a Potential Herbal Medicine

Abstract

Nur Atik, Alfya Nandika, Putu Indra Cyntia Dewi, Erda Avriyanti

Currently, the trends of alternative and complementary medicine are highly developed. In the last few decades, the National Health Statistics Report (NHSR) in America has shown a substantial increase in the use of alternative and complementary drugs. The use of herbs as medications or supplementations should result from a right decision between patient and physician regarding potential risks, benefits, and other alternatives. Although many herbs exhibit promising effects, most herbs have not been yet scientifically approved, including their molecular mechanism process. In this review, Aloe barbadensis Miller or popularly known as Aloe vera will be discussed as a potential local medicinal plant from cellular and molecular mechanisms aspect. Thorough studies over the last few decades have demonstrated that Aloe vera possesses various bioactive compounds that are responsible for its medicinal properties. G1G1M1DI2 glycoprotein fraction, for example, as one of the bioactive compound found in this plant, has shown to accelerate the wound healing process. The present review reports the findings of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of Aloe vera pharmacological activity from the extensive literature search and our previous reports. This review may help to promote local medicinal plant such as Aloe vera in order to improve its value and utilization in the community setting.