In Vitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Cytogenotoxic and Nutritional Value of Aloe Barbadensis Mill. (Asphodelaceae)

Abstract

Today medicinal plants are fast becoming an important key to unlock the ravaging effects of some diseases in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has supported traditional medicines, particularly in developing countries by promoting the incorporation of its useful elements into the national health care system (Akerele, 1987). This fortunately has led to the rising popularity of herbal medicine in developing countries (Obici et al., 2008). This affirms the belief that medicinal plants are nature's gift to mankind. Aloe barbadensis (AB) of the family-Asphodelaceae has been reported ethnomedically to have several folks uses with some validated scientific information. Its ethnomedical use as an aphrodisiac was earlier reported by Erhabor et al. (2013) and this was validated in vivo using an animal model (Erhabor and Idu, 2017). Other previously reported biological activities of this plant include the use of its gel in wound healing (Davis et al., 1994; Maenthaisong et al., 2007), inflammatory problems (Che et al., 1991; Robbers and Tylers, 1999) as well as in moisturizing and anti-aging activities (West and Zhu, 2003; Sahu et al., 2013). The leaves have been used for treating fungal infections associated with superficial mycoses (Shamim et al., 2004). The antidiabetic property (Tanaka et al., 2006; Yagi et al., 2006) and its perceived reproductive functions in enhancing fertility (Oyewopo et al., 2011; Iwu, 2014;) have also been documented. Some of the ethnomedical uses of A. barbadensis include its use in the treatment/management of intestinal ulcers (Ross, 1999), constipation, impotency, ringworm and eczema (Adodo, 2012). It is used as a purgative, appetite stimulant and emmenagogue, as well as in the treatment of colds, piles, asthma, cough and jaundice (Joseph and Raj, 2010). Interestingly, chemicals found in the plant have become known remedies for treating sexual disorders/reproductive diseases