Description
Aloes are a large genus of plants, about 450 species, that have been used as medicinal plants since ancient times. Many species are widespread in warm or tropical semi-arid regions, while others live in desert or wet mountain regions. Scientists have yet to discover the full biological activity of the many aloe compounds. Aloes: The genus Aloes reviews all botanical, chemical, biochemical and medical information as well as the commercial aspects of aloes. It guides researchers in botany, natural product chemistry, pharmacology, dermatology and immunology. The present volume brings together a wealth of information on aloes from a variety of sources, including seldom-recorded folk customs.
Table of Contents
THE PLANTS. Aloes in Habitat. Taxonomy of Aloaceae. ALOE CONSTITUENTS. Aloe Chemistry. Aloe Polysaccharides. Aloe Lectins and Their Activities. Analytical Methodology: the Gel. Analysis of Aloe Pulp and its Derivatives. Analytical Methodology: the Exudate. Industrial Processing and Quality Control of Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Gel. THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF ALOES. Healing Powers of Aloes. Aloe vera in Wound Healing. Aloe vera in Thermal and Frostbite Injuries. Plant Saccharides and the Prevention of Sun-induced Skin Cancer. Aloes and the Immune System. Bioactivity of Aloe arborescens Preparations. ALOE BIOLOGY. The Chromosones of Aloe - Variation on a Theme. Aloe Leaf Anatomy. Pests of Aloes.
