This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), concentrating on its morphological characteristics, chemical constituents, historical applications, and therapeutic potentials, with a particular focus on its antifungal properties. Aloe vera, a xerophytic succulent belonging to the Xanthorrhoeaceae family, is recognized for its extensive array of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, anthraquinones, and polysaccharides, all of which contribute significantly to its medicinal efficacy. This plant has been employed for over 6,000 years within traditional medicinal frameworks for its wound-healing, digestive, and dermal-soothing properties. The morphological characteristics of the plant, which encompass thick, fleshy leaves containing distinct gel and latex layers, facilitate its adaptation to arid environments through Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis. The investigation into the chemical composition of Aloe vera elucidates its active constituents, such as acemannan, glucomannan, saponins, and anthraquinones, which are known to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. This review underscores the multifarious applications of Aloe vera within the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, dietary supplement, and food industries, particularly accentuating its potential as a natural antifungal agent. Recent empirical studies have substantiated its efficacy against various fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans and Aspergillus species and novel approaches such as the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles utilizing Aloe vera are examined. Notwithstanding its promising therapeutic applications, the paper advocates for further investigative efforts to standardize its clinical utilization and ensure safety, particularly concerning oral formulations. Aloe vera holds significant promise as an alternative to synthetic antifungal treatments, with its broad-spectrum bioactivity and natural origin offering potential for safer, more sustainable therapeutic strategies

Aloe vera, Antifungal activity, Fungi, Disease, Chemical compounds, Plants

This review consolidates historical, morphological, and phytochemical evidence showing that Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) possesses a broad therapeutic profile with particular promise as an antifungal agent. Key constituents including acemannan, glucomannan, saponins, chromones, and anthraquinones collectively underpin anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antifungal actions across clinical and agricultural contexts. In vitro and preclinical findings consistently demonstrate growth inhibition of clinically relevant fungi (e.g., Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp.) and postharvest pathogens, and emerging nano-enabled formulations further enhance efficacy. However, variability in raw materials and processing, dose–response inconsistency across studies, and safety concerns related to anthraquinone-rich latex (e.g., aloin) limit immediate, standardized clinical translation. Moreover, Aloe vera is a strong candidate for integration into modern antifungal strategies, provided its use is guided by rigorous standardization, safety evaluation, and clinical validation

Nupur Bhatnagar, Aarif Khan, Tripti Yadav, Suraj Shekhawat, Sanju Jainth and Shaifali Jain (2025). Uncovering the Therapeutic Potential of Aloe vera in Modern Medicine. Biological Forum, 17(9): 07-13