Indian Journal of Agricultural Biochemistry

Aloe vera is a succulent plant with medicinal properties that have been used for centuries. One of the most well known benefits of Aloe vera is its antimicrobial activity. In vitro studies have shown that Aloe vera can inhibit the growth bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial activity of Aloe vera is thought to be due to a number of factors, including the presence of anthraquinones, saponins, and polysaccharides. Anthraquinones are a group of compounds that have been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Saponins are also known to have antimicrobial activity and they can also help to increase the permeability of the bacterial cell membrane, making it easier for other antimicrobial agents to penetrate. Polysaccharides are types of complex sugar that can help to stimulate the immune system and promote healing. The results of in vitro studies suggest that Aloe vera could be a potential natural antibiotic.