Healing plants of Manipur : Ghrita-kumar (Aloe barbadensis Mill syn. Aloe vera Tourn ex Linn.)

Dr H Birkumar Singh *

Aloe Vera Buds at Sakherbazar, Kolkata :: Pix - Wikipedia/Sumita Roy Dutta

FAMILY: Aloeaceae/Liliaceae

VERNACULAR NAMES:
Ghrita kumarai (Bengali), Indian Aloe (English), Ghee-kunbar or Mudabbar (Hindi), Ghrita-kumar (Manipuri).

DESCRIPTION:
Some Taxonomist says that Aloe barbadensis and A. vera are the same species while some Botanists expressed that they should be different species.

Indian Aloe is a small succulent herb with rosette growth. The leaf is very thick, semi-cylindrical; margin is having short recurved soft spines in both the sides, apex pointed. Roots numerous and fibrous. The colour is plain pale green or dark with mottled pattern.

DISTRIBUTION:

Indian Aloe plant is originated from India. This plant is believed introduced in Manipur since long time back but not known the exact timing. Now it is well grown and naturalized. It can grow well in moist and humid soil and semi-shade though it can grow well in open sun light also.

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENTS:

The major compound present in the leaf of Indian Aloe is Aloin. The major Crystalline glycoside present in the Aloin is Barbaloin. The other compounds present in the leaf are Isobarbaloin, Aloe-emodin and Resin. The aroma/smell when broken fresh is due to the presence of an essential oil.

HEALING PROPERTIES:

(i) The medicinal and healing properties of Indian Aloe are tremendous. The leaf paste is applied on Cut and Injuries which coagulate the blood as well as healing early.
(ii) The leaf extract in water can be given to treat Menstrual disorder. It is scientifically proved that the extract of this plant can enhance the Sexual fertility of both men and women.
(iii) Indian Aloe is reported very effective against Liver enlargement and dysfunction of Spleen. The leaf extract of Indian Aloe, extract of Ginger are mixed together and dissolved little quantity of common salt and given a spoon daily for around 10-15 days.
(iv) The hot fomented leaf of Indian Aloe is inhaled to treat Cough and Running nose. The leaf is heated in burning charcoal and the hot steam liberated in inhaled.
(v) The plant extract of Indian Aloe is used to treat various Skin diseases.
(vi) The leaf extract can be applied on skin to improve Skin-tone/fairness.
(vii) Thin slices of Indian Aloe leaf after salted can be eaten to treat Dyspepsia, Constipation & Flatulence.
(viii) Fresh leaf of Indian Aloe plant can be given to children as De-worm. The leaf extract of the plant is boiled in water to reduce the volume half and the concentrated liquid after sweetening with honey is given to children 2 spoons daily for about a week period.
(ix) The plant extract of Indian Aloe is reported very effective to treat Sciatica.
(x) Jaundice can be treated by giving the extract of leaf of Indian Aloe in water.
(xi) The concentrated leaf gel can be applied on forehead to treat Vertigo and Fever. It has Cooling effect.
(xii) The leaf extract is applied on scalp for healthy growth of hairs and against early Greying.

OTHER USES:

(i) Indian Aloe plant is fondly cultivated as pot-plant and in home/kitchen gardens for aesthetic value.
(ii) A general health drink is also prepared from the Gel extracted from the leaf.

PROPAGATION/CONSERVATION/MARKET:

The Indian Aloe plant is easily propagated through vegetative bulbils/buds. A mother plant can produce 10-15 plantlets in a year. It is cultivated as a pot-plant and in home gardens thus conserving the species well. The gel extracted from the fresh leaf is highly demanded in local, national & international markets with good price for making of various products. It is extensively cultivated for commercial purposes.