Scientific name: Aloe ferox 

Common names:

Ayurvedic names: Kumari

Chinese names: lu hui

Bangladesh names:

Arabic names:    الصبر الآسيوي (as-sabru al asyawi)

Rain Forest names:

Family: Fabaceae

Approximate number of species known:

Common parts used: Whole herb, sprouts

Collection: 

Annual/Perennial: Perennial

Height: 30 to 60 feet

Actions:

Known Constituents: Normally >18% hydroanthracene derivates includsing barbalion C21H22o9

Soluble in boiling water partly, soluble in hot ethanol (96%)

Constituents Explained:

Description: 

Known as a nutritious plant, it contains Vitamins A, B vitamins, C, E, K and a varitey of minerals and trace minerals.  A green plant famed for its high chlorophyll content. When in bloom it contains beautiful purple flowers.

Traditional Use:

Clinical Studies:

A study identified, quantified, and compared the phytochemical contents and antioxidant capacities of Aloe ferox lyophilized leaf gel (LGE) and 95% ethanol leaf gel extracts (ELGE) using GC-MS and spectrophotometric methods.

Analytically, 95% ethanol is less effective than ethyl acetate/diethyl ether or hexane (in the case of fatty acids) extractions in separating phytochemicals for characterization purposes. 

However, although fewer compounds are extracted in the ELGE, they are approximately 345 times more concentrated as compared to the LGE.

Individual phytochemicals identified included various phenolic acids/polyphenols, phytosterols, fatty acids, indoles, alkanes, pyrimidines, alkaloids, organic acids, aldehydes, dicarboxylic acids, ketones, and alcohols.

Due to the presence of the antioxidant polyphenols, indoles, and alkaloids, the A. ferox leaf gel shows antioxidant capacity. 

Due to its phytochemical composition, A. ferox leaf gel may show promise in alleviating symptoms associated with/or prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration, and diabetes.

References:

Loots du T, van der Westhuizen FH, Botes L. “Aloe Ferox Leaf Gel Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Capacity, And Possible Health Benefits.” 2007 August http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17661490