Gujarat Ayurved University

G. A. Mahavidyalaya
Foreigners Course 2nd Professional
Akiko Tokinobu

Under the instruction of Dr. P. K. Joshi

 INDEX

1. Introduction p.1
2. Historical background
p.2
3. Latin Name p.3
4. Family
5. Vernacular Names p.4-5
6. Synonyms p.6-8
7. Classification p.9
8. Vargas p.10
9. Botanical Description
p.11-14
10. Habitat
p.15
11. Varieties
p.16-19
12. Chemical Composition
p.20-23
13. Rasa Pancaka
p.24-25
14. Part Used
p.25
15. Properties and Action
p.26-28
16. Uses
p.29-31
17. Storage
p.32
18. Dose

19. Formulation
p.33
Bibliography p.34-
35
1. Introduction

Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as lily of the desert, the

plant of immortality, and the medicine plant. The name was
derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning bitter because of the
bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use
of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites.
There are several variations of the Aloe plant, but only one
variety has a legendary medicinal reputation dating back thousands
of years: the Aloe vera. Vera, which means true in Latin, was added
to the appellation of this particular specimen in order to distinguish its
primacy among the aloe plants.
Aloe vera is considered by many to be a member of the cactus
family. In reality, it is a member of the lily family. There are over 500
species of the aloe plant, but only one true Aloe vera. Only the
authentic Aloe vera provides the potent therapeutic effects which
nature has built in it.
It is only recently that Aloe vera has been re-discovered and
has come back into general use. Ironically enough, it was the
invention of the X-ray and the atom bomb which again focused
attention upon the plant. It was found early in the search for
protection against radiation burns that the best treatment was Aloe
vera gel. As chemical, medical and physical scientific research as
progressed, many old remedies have been found to be worthless
because they were based upon faulty information and reasoning.
Some, however, have been discovered to be infinitely superior to
many synthetics.
Aloe vera is one of the old natural remedies that have come
into their own in the Space Ages one of the modern miracle drugs.

1
2. Historical Background

A) Ayurvedic
Veda
In the foremost eve written document of knowledge, we cannot trace
any reference regarding the drug Kumari.
Samhita
In Bhela Samhita, Kumari is mentioned as an ingredient of a
compound in the treatment of Vata Vyadhi. There is no any reference
found in Brihatrayi. In Sharanghadhara Samhita, its use is described
in Pliha Roga.
Nighantu Kala
All Nighantu Kalas have mentioned Kumari in different Vargas. In
1932 it was included in British pharmacopoeia.
But in Ayurvedic amenities there is no any direct reference of Kumari
regarding as Yuvanapidika.

B) World wide
For over 3,500 years, tales of healing Aloe vera plants have
been handed down through centuries by word of mouth. From the
Bibles mention of removing Christ from the cross and wrapping his
body in aloes and myrrh, we find Aloe vera mysteriously appearing in
every phase of history, with many testimonials to its great medicinal
values. The earliest documented use of Aloe vera comes from the
ancient Egyptians, but it was also grown and used by King Solomon,
who was said to have valued it highly.
Alexander the Grate conquered the island of Socotra in order
to have the Aloe for his army. During his fabled travels in the Orient,
among the many marvels recorded by Marco Polo were his
descriptions of the many applications of the Aloe vera plant. The
Spanish Conquistadors discovered various herbal medicines in use in
Tenochtitle. At the heart of any of the Aztec cures, it is known that
Aloe vera was the effective agent. These Aztec herbal medicines
were transported back to Europe by the Spanish, during the sixteenth

2
century, where they became the foundation for modern Western
medicine.

2
3. Latin Name

Plants have always been useful to man, and plant nomenclature

across because there was need for names, which could serve as
vehicles of communication. Since the various originated in Europe in
the 16th century A.D. could not furnish precise names for all plants,
botanists all over the world were compelled to invent a vocabulary of
their own for consistence and uniformity in scientific names because
the use of names, has much to commend it. Scientific names do
indicate generic and usually genetic relationships; hence, they are of
biological significance. They are international in scope and are
common to all tongues. Therefore Latin vocabulary was universally
accepted because Latin is specific and exact in its meaning which to
particularly pertinent is the needs of descriptive phrases of the
biological science. Latin Names of Kumari are,
- Aloe vera Linn.
- Syn. Aloe barbadensis Mill.

4. Family

Kumari belongs toLiliaceae family.

3
5. Vernacular Names

The vernacular names which are spoken in different provinces by

common people are:

Sanskrit Ghrta kumari, Grahkanya

Hindi Ghee kunvar, Ghrta kumari, Gvarapatha, Dekvara
Gujarati Kumvara patha
Telugu Chimakat banda
Kannada Lolisara
Malayalam Ghrita Kumari
Marathi Kourphad
Tamil Kaththaloi
Urdu Chiqvara
Punjabi Kunvarkandul
Kachha Lepari
Bengali Ghrta kumari
Farsi Darakhajesebra
Malayalam Kattupavalu
Arabic Sebbarat
Chinese Lu Hui
Cuba Sabilla
Dutch Aloe
English Indian Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Barbados Aloe
French Aloes
German Aloe
Greek Aloi
Haiti Laloi
Italian Aloe
Japanese Rokai
Korian Nohwa
Persian Darakhte sibra
Portuguese Aloe, Aloes

6
Romanian Aloes
Russian Aloe, Aloi, Sabur
Thai Wan hang Jo
Vietnam Lohoi

6
6. Synonyms
By synonyms, we come to know various aspects of the plants
in relation to its morphology, habitat, types, clinical utilization, part
utilized etc. It is very important to know synonyms for better
understanding of the plant. The synonyms given to Kumari are;

1. Kumari
Kumarayati kridate svalpenapi jalena shitalatvat |
Yadva kamayate pushtidatumanyebhya: rasayanatvat iti ||
- Because of its cold property it can survive with less water.
- Due to its Rasayana property it promises to provide health and
strength to its users.
2. Ghrta Kumari
Dale dalite sati ghrtasamanarasasya stravinitvat |
- It excretes fatty exudates from its leaves, hence called as Ghrta
Kumari.
3. Kanya
Kanati kanyate varasayanatvadigunai: iti|
- Due to its sweet property it is like a daughter in the house.
4. Ghrha Kanya
Grhe kanya iva, maghuryadigunayuktatvat iti |
- It blooms due to its Rasayana property.
5. Saha
Atapam sahate iti saha |
- It can tolerate the temperature.
6. Dirghapatrika
- Since the leaves are long.
7. Bahupatri
- Since the leaves are thick.
8. Sthuladala
- Since the leaves are thick.
9. Rasayani
- Since exhibiting rejuvenative property.
10. Mandala
- Leaves are arranged in rossete fashion.

7
11. Mata
- With many number of good qualities imparting care like a mother.
12. Phalamatsya
- The shape of the fruit resembles to fish.
13. Aksikirasa
- Pulp is used in eye disease.
14. Taruni
- Always keep the younger look by appearance and renders
youthfulness to the users.
15. Panktikandadala
- Roots are seen as a bunch.
16. Pichhasanvrta
- Having sliminess.
17. Sthalaruha
- Generally seen in dry land.
18. Dhvajamadhyadanda
- From the middle scape arises as flag.
19. Kantaka Pravruta
- On the margin of the leaves thorns are present.
20. Sukantaka
- Thorns are blunt.
21. Vipulasrava
- Contains plenty of juice.
22. Mrudu Virya
- Virya is Mrudu ( Mild acting).
23. Bala
- Imparts strength.
24. Vilayika
- Pulp is used for making different types of ashes.
25. Sara
- Having the quality for purgation.
26. Vistari
- Spread wildly
27. Vishala
- Spreads in a large area.

7
 Synonyms of Kumari described by

variousacarya

Synonyms A.K B.P.N B.N. K.N R.N R.S. Sa. Si. So. U.V V.N

. . R. . . S. N. S. N. . .

Aksikisara - - - + - - - - - - -
Bahupatri - - - - - - - - - - +
Bala - - - - - - - + - - -
Dirghapatri - - - - + - - - + - -
Dirghapatrika - + - - - - - - - - +
Dvajamadhyadan - - - - - - - + - - -
da
Phalamatsya - - - + - - - - - - -
Garlasthi - - - - - - - - + - -
Grhakanya - + + + - - - - - + +
Ghrtakumari - + - + + + + - - + -
Kantakapravrta - + - - + - - - - - -
Kanya - + - + - - - - - - -
Kumari + + + - - + - + - + -
Mandala - - - + - - - - - - -
Mata - - - - - - - - - - -
Mrduvirya - - - + + - - - - - -
Panktikandadala - - - - - - - + - - -
Picchasamvrta - - - - - - - + - - -
Pruthu - - - - - - - + - - -
Rasayani - - - - - - - - - - +
Saha + - - - - - - - - - -
Sara - - - - - - - - + - -
Sthalaruha - + - - + - - - - - -
Sthuladala - + - - + - - - - -
Sukanataka - + - - + - - - - - -
Taruni + - - - - - - - - - -
Vadhakandini - - - - - - - + - - -

9
Vilayika - - - - - - - - + - -
Vipulasrava - + - - - - - - - - -
Vishala - - - - - - - + - - -
Vistari - - - - - - - + - - -

10
7. Classification
The synonyms of Kumari can also be classified under different
headings as below.

A) Classification According to External Morphology

1. According to the general appearance of the plant
- Phalamatsya
- Panktikandadala
- Vistari
- Vishala
2. According to the leaves
- Dirghapatrika
- Dirghapatra
- Bahupatri
- Sthuladala
3. According to the root
- Pruthu
4. According to Srava
- Picchasanvruta
- Sthalaruha
- Vipulsrava
5. According to the thorn
- Kantakapravruta

B) Classification According to Upama

- Kumari
- Ghrita Kumari
- Ghruha Kanya
- Kanya
- Mata
- Saha
- Taruni

11
8. Vargas

1. Misra Prakarana Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

2. Pippalyadi Varga Raja Nighantu
3. Guduchyadi Varga Ayrved Chintamani
4. Paratadi Varga Nighantu Siromani
5. Rason Kula Dravyaguna Vijnana
6. Lasunadi Varga Adarsh Nighantu
7. Laxsmanadi Varga Sodhala Nighantu
8. Aushadhi Varga Kayadev Nighantu

12
9. Botanical Description

A) Family
Kumari belongs to Liliaceae family. A widely distributed family of
about 250 genera and 3,700 species.

Habit --- These are herbs and climbers and rarely shrubs or trees
with a bulb or rhizome, or with fibrous roots.
Leaves --- These are simple, radical or cauline or both.
Inflorescence --- These may be spike, raceme, panicle or umbel,
often on a scalp.
Flowers --- The flowers are regular, bisexual (rarely unisexual)
dioecious, as in smilax. They are trimerouss, scarious (hin, dry,
membranous).
Perianth --- The tepals are petaloid. There are usually six in two
whorls. They may be 3 + 3 and free (polyphyllous) or 3 + 3 and
united (gamophyllous).
Androcium --- These are 6 stamens in two whorls, 3 + 3, rarely 3,
free or united with the perianth (epiphyllous) at the base. The
anthers are often dorsifixed.
Gynoecium --- There are 3 carps (syncarpous). The ovary is
superior and 3 celled. There are usually ovules in two rows in
each loculus. The placentation is axile. There are 3 styles.
Fruit --- This may be a berry or capsule.
Seeds --- The seeds are albuminus.
Floral formula --- P3+3A3+3G(3) or P(3+3)A(3+3)G(3)

B) Taxonomy
Kingdom Plantae
Division Spermatophyta
Subdivision Angiospermae
Class Monocotyledoneae
Natural Liliase
Family Liliaceae

13
 Genus Aloe
Speices Aloe vera Tourn. ex. Linn; Syn.
Aloe Barbadensis Mill.

C) Plant description
A perennial and coarse looking plant is with a short, thick,
cylindrical, simple, woody stem, 1-2 feet high, sending out at the
base numerous stolons.
Roots Fibrous, fleshy
Leaves Not very numerous, sessile, densely crowded on the
short stem with wide dilated bases, spreading below, then
ascending, one to one and half foot long, tapering to a blunt point,
very thick and fleshy, flat or rather concave above, convex
beneath, the margins set with hard, distant, somewhat hooked
prickles, surface quite smooth and shining, dark glaucous green,
sometimes mottled.
About15 inches long, 4 inches broad and 3/4 inch thick.
Large fleshy green leaves with sharp spines and white specks at
the bases of the leaves.
Flowering Stem --- Three feet high, oblique at base, erect, stout,
smooth, cylindrical from the center of the leaf-tuft.
Flowers Stalked, numerous, erect in the bud, afterwards
pendulous, arranged the pedicles, membranous, triangular, acute,
reddish, veined, persistent.
Perianth Gamophyllous, tubular, about 36mm. Long, rather
fleshy, reddish yellow and green, deeply cut into six oblong,
bluntish segments, the three outer a little shorter than the inner,
which they closely cover, never spreading persistent.
Stamens Six hypogynous, a little longer than the perianth,
anthers small, oblong ovoid, bluntly triangular, 3-celled, with a
double row of ovules in each cell.
Style About equally the stamens, simle.
Stigma Terminal
Fruit (not seen) An oblong-ovoid, very blunt capsule, about
25mm. Long bluntly trigonous, 3-celled, pericarp thin, leathery,
greenish brown, smooth, dehiscing loculicidally.

14
Seeds Very numerous, compressed, testa fine and membranous,
lax, forming a wide scarious wing.
Embryo In the axis of the endosperm.
Flowring time --- Winter spring seasons

Photo 1: Aloe in the vase

15
Photo 2: Aloe in the field

Photo 3: Leaves

16
Photo 4: Gel Photo 5: Flower

17
10. Habitat

This species of Aloe grows wild in Northern Africa, from

Morocco eastward and probably also in peninsular India. It is also
found in the Canary Island and in Southern Spain abundantly, and
may improbably be indigenous. In Sicily, Greece and the Archipelago,
it is usually considered an introduction. The plant has long been
cultivated in the West Indian Islands, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbados
and is now found in an apparently wild condition.
It is a plant readily propagated in suitable climates and will grow in
the driest situations and poorest soils, sending off abundance of
radical offsets.
It grows widely throughout India ascending to 1500 meters
elevation in Himalaya region. Plant occurs in a semi-wild state in all
parts from the dry westward valleys of the Himalayas up to Cape
Comorin. Plants are generally propagated by suckers. Many of the
forms of this species are naturalized.

Photo 6: Wild grown Photo 7: Izu peninsula, Japan

18
11. Varieties

The aloe genus belongs to the family liliaceae with about 180 species,
some of them are found in India.
Four varieties of Aloes are officially told in the British Pharmacopoeia.
1. Curacao or Barbadensis
2. Socotrin Aloes
3. Zanzibar Aloes
4. Cape Aloes

1) Curacao or Barbadensis
It is obtained from Aloe barbadensis, which is a coarse-looking
plant with a short stem, found in a semi wild state in many parts of
the country. Leaves 30-60 cm long, erect, crowded in a basal rosette,
full of juice, glucose-green, narrow lanceolate, long acuminate,
smooth except for the spiny teeth on the margins; scape longer than
leaves. Scaly branched flowers yellow, in dense racemens,
terminating the scapes.
Preparation
The method of preparation of Aloe is different in West Indies and in
South Africa. In West Indies the cut leaves are arranged with their cut
surface on the inner side, on the sides of v-shaped vessels of about 1
to 1.5 meter long and the flowing juice is collected in a tin vessel
placed below the v-shaped vessel. The juice is transferred to copper
evaporating pan and heated carefully till the whole mass acquires
semi-solid consistency. It is then cooled slowly and stirred during
cooling. These conditions are favorable for the crystallization or
babaloin and this Aloe contains crystals of babaloin because of the
presence of which it becomes opaque and is also known as hepatic or
livery Aloe. This Aloe is know in commerce as Curacao or Barbaos
Aloe.
Characters
It is opaque and is yellow brown to chocolate brown in colour. Inferior
over heated drug is nearly black. The fracture is waxy.

19
 Photo 8: Barbadensis

2) Socotrin Aloe
It is obtained fromAloe perri, which is dichotomously branched,
perennial succulent, with woody stems, up to 1.8 m in height and
crowded leaves at the end of branches, cultivated in several parts of
the country.
Preparation
Aloe juice is collected in goat or sheep skin and spontaneous
evaporation is allowed for about a month when it becomes viscous
pasty mass. Arab traders send this pasty mass to Zanzibar or
Bombay from where it is exported to Europe in barrels, tins or leather
packing. In European countries it is dried in wooden pans with hot air
till moisture is about 10%.
Characters
Socotrin Aloe occurs in masses of different shapes and sizes and is
yellow-brown to dark brown and opaque. Fracture is irregular and
porous and taste is bitter.

3) Zanzibar Aloe
A Perryi Baker (Zanzibar aloe) with simple stem 2.5 in
diameter, scarcely rising above the ground and crowed leaves much
shorter than those of A. Socortrin is indigenous to Socotra Island. It

20
is also found in East Africa and Arabia and has been introduced into
India. The plant is suitable for the growing in the lime stone tract,
upto an altitude of 900m and can be readily cultivated in the driest
situation and poorest soil.
Preparation
This Aloe is considered a type of Socotrin Aloe but botanical source is
not definite and is prepared similar to Socotrin Aloe. It is packed in
skin of carnivorous animals. This Aloe is also known as monkey skin
Aloe. Socotrin and Zanzibar Aloes are opaque.
Characters
Zanzibar Aloeis opaque, firmer than Socotrin and livery brown in
colour. Fracture is smooth and waxy. Odour is considered pleasant
but taste is bitter.

Photo 9: Zanziber

4) Cape Aloe
In South Africa a shallow circular pit is dug and covered with
goatskin or canvas and cut leaves in canvas or goatskin and
transferred to a copper-evaporating pan and heated. It is heated till
the juice acquires maximum possible solid consistency. It is then
cobbled quickly without stirring. These conditions are not favorable
for the crystallization of barbaloin and as a result this Aloe is
transparent and is known as vitreous or glassy Aloe.
Characters
Cape Aloe is glassy, dark chocolate or green-chocolate in colour.
Small pieces are reddish-brown or yellow coloured or amber. Odour is
characteristic sour and taste unpleasant and bitter.

21
Photo 10: Cape Aloe

22
12. Chemical Composition
The components of Aloe vera can be divided into the following
groups:

1) Vitamins
It is rich in all vitamins excluding Vitamin D, especially the
antioxidant Vitamins A (beta carotene), C and E, and even contains a
trace of Vitamin B12, one of the very few plant sources of this
vitamin.

2) Enzymes
Several different types of these biochemical catalysts when
taken orally aid digestion by breaking down fat and sugars. One in
particular, Bradykinase, helps to reduce excessive inflammation when
applied to the skin topically and therefore reduces pain, whereas
others help to digest the dead tissues in wounds. Lipases and
proteases, which break down food aid digestion, are present.

3) Minerals
Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Copper,
Zinc, Chromium and the anti-oxidant Selenium.
Although minerals and trace elements are only needed in very
small quantities, they are essential for the proper functioning of
various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways.

4) Sugars
These are derived from the mucilage layer of the plant, which
surround the inner gel and are known as mucopolysaccharides, which
enhance the immune system and help to detoxify. Aloe vera contains
both mono and polysaccharides, but the long chain sugars involving
glucose and mannose or the gluco-mannans. These sugars are
ingested whole from the gut, not broken down like other sugars, and
appear in the bloodstream in exactly the same form. This process is
known as pinocytosis. Once in the bloodstream they are able to exert
their immuno-regulating effect. Some of these polysaccharides are

23
not absorbed but stick to certain cells lining the gut and form a barrier
preventing absorption of unwanted material so helping to prevent a
Leaking gut syndromes. In topical preparation, the sugars are also
the main moisturizers.

5) Anthraquinones
There are twelve of these Phenolic compounds, which are
found exclusively in the plant sap. In small quantities, when they do
not exert their purgative effects, they aid absorption from the gastro-
intestinal tract, have anti-microbial, and pain killing effect. The
important ones, Aloin, Barbaloin and Emodin, act as pain killers. They
also function as anti-bacterial and anti-viral.

6) Lignin
This is itself is an inert subustancebut when included in topical
preparations it endows Aloe vera with a Singular penetrative effect so
the other ingredients are absorbed into the skin.

7) Saponins
These soapy substances form about 3% of the Aloe vera gel
and are capable of cleansing, with antiseptic properties. These act
powerfully as anti-microbials against bacteria, viruses, fungi and
yeasts.

8) Fatty acids
Cholesterol, Campesterol, b. Sitosterl and ipeol. These four
plant steroids are important anti-inflammatory agents.

9) Salicylic acid
An aspirin-like compound possessing anti-inflammatory and
anti-bacterial properties.

10) Amino acids

The body needs 22 amino acids the gel provides 20 of these.
More importantly, it provides 7 out of the 8 essential amino acids,
which the body cannot synthesize.

24
Contents of Aloe vera gel
Gel is free from Anthraquinon.
Aloe vera gel contains about 99.4% water in weight. Depending on
the process to which the leaves are subjected for extracting the gel,
over 60% of the total solids are carbohydrates, mainly mucilage ones.
The sugars found are glucose, manose, and minor amounts of
rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, galactose and uronic acids.
Mucilage is mostly made up by neutral polysaccharides that are
usually b-174glucomanes, b-D-mananes, galactanes,
arabinogalactanes, etc., ingeneral methylates and acetylates. The
most outstanding one is the acemanane isolated from the ethanolic
extract of the Aloe vera gel know under the trade name of Carrisin
(R). Acemanane is a partially acetylate polysaccharide which consists
of linear units of (1/4) D manoiranosil. The neutral sugars that are
joined in a chain through (1/6) links are galactopyranose in a ratio of 1
per 20 sugars.
Mucilage also contains polysaccharaide acids with different
proportions of galacturonic acid.
The rest of the solids that make up the gel are organic acids and salts
(glutamic, malic, salicylic and citric acids and magnesium lactate,
calium oxalate, etc.) enzymes (cellulose, carboxipeptidase,
bradykininase, catalase, amylase, oxidase, tyrosinase), sapohenics,
tannins, anthracene heteroxides(removing the impurities from
thegel), sterols, triglycerids, amino acids (lysine, hystidine, arginine,
aspartic, threonine, serine, glutamic, praline, alanine, valine,
methionine, isoleukin, leukin, tysine, phenylalanine and tryptophan),
RNA, traces of alkaloids, vitamins and minerals (Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu,
Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Sr, Si), varying according to the rain, theland and the
season for picking them.

Main Constituent of Aloe vera

Main constituents and their actions of Aloe vera are tabulated below:

25
 Group Component Action Remarks
s
Micronutrient Amino acids Detoxicating, Repairs body Lysine, Valine,
tissues, Prevent aging Phenylalanine,
Serine, Aspartic
acid, etc
Minerals Calcium maintain body Potassium,
fluid alkaline Sodium,
Magnesium -- Sedative Manganese,
Magnesium,
Germanium
Vitamins B-12 Products blood cell A, B1, B2, B16, C,
E Prevent aging Folic acid
Polysaccaride D-glucuronic Bactericidal
s acid
D- Bactericidal

Mucin Prevent aging, Humidistat
Aloe mannan Anti-tumoral, Prevent skin
aging
Phytophenols Aloin Cathartic Strong stimulants,
when taken more,
maybe toxic
Aloe emodin Strengthens stomach
Aloetin Bactericidal
Anti-tumoral
Aloeulcin Anti-tumoral
Others Phytohormon Repairs skin tissues
e
Biostimulin Activates matabolism of
skin

26
13. Rasa Pancaka

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, the drug is based on Rasa

Pancaka viz. Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and Prabhava.
In Brhatrayi Acaryas stated that some of the drug act is accordance
with their taste, some with properties, some with potency, some with
post digestive effect and some with specific action. (Ca. Su. 26/17,
Su. Su. 40/17, AS. Su. 17/30).
The Rasa Pancaka of Kumari are tabulated below.

So. N B.P.N. R.A K.N Sa.N P.V.S

Rasa Pancaka

Rasa Tikta + + + + - +
Madhura - + - + + +
Guna Guru - - - - + +
Snigdha - - - - - +
Picchila + + - - - +
Virya Shita + + + + + +
Vipaka Katu + + + + + +
Dosakarm Vatahara - - - - - +
a Kaphahara - - - - - +
Tridoshahar
- + + + + -
a
Prabhava Bhedana - - - + - +

The taste of Kumari mentioned by most of the authors lead us to a

conclussion that the plant is having predominately Tikta Rasa.
Nevertheless, Madhura Rasa is also mentioned by some of the
Acaryas.
Guru Guna and Picchila Guna are mentioned by most of Acaryas while
only Dr. P.V. Sharma mentioned Snigdha Guna.
Above table clearly shows the shita Virya of Kumari.
Vipaka of Kumari discussed as Katu. Kayadev Nighantu and Dr. P.V.

27
Sharma have highlighted Bhedana Prabhava of Kumari.
The drug action of Kumari on Dosas, point out Tridoshahara.

The Rasa Pancaka of Alleyaka is tabulated as followes,

Rasa Tikta, Madhura
Guna Laghu, Tikshna, Sukshma
Virya Ushna
Vipaka Katu
Prabhava Bhedana

14. Part Used

Acarya Sushuruta has quoted that in generalfresh and mostpotential

part should be used. Considering these points following parts can be
used:
- Leaves
- Root
- Extract (Powder) Kanyasara

28
15. Properties and Action

A) Karma
Digestive system
Pittavirecana
Dipana
Pacana
Lower dose
Bhedan
Yakrduttejaka
Virecana
Higher dose
Krmighna
Circulatory system
Raktashodhaka
Shotahara
Urinary system
Mutrala
Vrshya
Reproductive system
Due to its Ushna guna and specific action on uterus, it increases the
vascularity in uterus, and stimulates the uterine muscles, thus it can
be used as emmenogogue and abortificient.
Garbhashayottejaka
Artavajanana
Garbhasravakara
Skin
Tvagdoshahara
Temperature
Jvaraghna
Others
Balya
Brnhana
Vishaghna
Medhya
Rasayana

29
 Vranaropana
Keshya
Krmighna
Kandughna
Kushthaghna
Cakshshya
Vataghna
Varnya

B) Roga
Yakrtpliha vikara-vrddhi
Pandu-kamala
Carma-varna vikara
Shothavedanayjkta vikara
Udararoga-gulma-agnimandya-udarshula-vibandha
Raktavikara-shota
Mutrakrchhra
Sukradourbalya
Rajorodha-artava vikara
Stanvyatha
Carmaroga
Jirnajvara
Dourbalya
Krmiroga-tantukrimi
Netraroga-netrabhisyanda
Siroroga
Vrana-visphota
Agnidagdha
Apasmara
Lingarsha
Sitapitta

Disease curing nature of Kumari described in most of the Ayurvedic

literature is as follows:

30
GUNAKARMA A.V. B.P.N. R.N. S.B.M. So.N. Y.N.
Apasmarhara + - - - - -
Artavajanana + - - - - -
Balya - + - - - -
Bhedana + + - + - -
Brnhana - + - - - -
Dagdhahara - + - - - -
Garbhapatan
+ - - - - -
a
Granthihara + + - - - -
Gulmahara - + - - + +
Jvarahara + + - + + -
Kamla - - - - + -
Krimihara - + - - - -
Kushthagni - - + - - -
Medhya + + - - - -
Puspaganana + - + - - -
Rasayani - + - - - -
Sanyashara + - - - - -
Shiroruga + - - - - -
Shitapittahar
+ - - - - -
a
Shulahara - - - - - -
Svasahara - - + - - -
Vishahara + + + + - -
Visphotahara - + - - - -
Vrunaropana - - - - + -
Vrushya - + - - - -
Yakrita-Pliha
- + - + + -
vriddhihara

31
16. Uses

A) According to Ayurveda
Kumari has been important and potent drug in ancient
medicine and therapeutics finding its uses in several diseases as
mentioned in different classical texts dealing with clinical
management.

- Kamala (jaundice) --- by Bhavaprakasha

- Pandu (anaemia)
Due to pharmacological action on liver and spleen.
Juice of Kumari is given.
- Yakrta and Pliha vrddhi and roga
Due to potent cholagogue (Pittanirharana, Pittarecana).
The juice of Kumari mixed with Haridra (turmeric) powder is given
in spleen enlargement or Plihavrddhi. --- by Sharangadhara
Samhita
- Rajododha (amenorrhoea)
Kumarikavati and Rajah pravartani vati are prescrived in menstrual
problems as emmenagogue drugs. --- by Bhaishajya Ratnavati
Extract of Kumari leaves juice (Kanyasara) is given.
- Vrana (wound) and abscess
Kumari mixed with tila and sour gruel or alone is applied to ripens
the abscess.
Kumari leaves or juice is recommended to apply over abscess and
wounds in ama and pacyamana stages for attaining pakva
condition of vidradhi and vrana. --- by Vaidya Manorama
Leaves pulp of Kumari are prescribed to externally apply over or by
covering up with the steamed leaves devoid of pulp, in all stages
of abscess as indicated in medical texts. --- by Vidradhi cikitsa
contexts

32
B) According to Modern
Pharmaceutical activities:
Purgative action of Aloes is due to the hydroxy
antharaquinone. Hydroxy anthraquinone is found by the hydrolic
cleavage of the corresponding gucoside. The cathartic action is
caused due to the increased peristalsis movement of large intestine.
Aloes acts probably due to a local irritant effect upon the mucous
membrane. The great resorption of water is caused by Barbados
Aloes, which stimulates the peristaltic movements, and retains the
intestinal contents.
Aloein is a biologically active bitter glucoside. It was isolated from the
leaves of Aloe arborescence. It has been reported to cause a slight
decrease in bile secretion.
Aloe drug causes the stimulation for the regeneration of the insular
epithelium of the pancreas. It also stimulates the prostaglandin
biosynthesis by prostaglandin synthetase enzyme.
Anti-cancer activity:
Anti-cancer activity is reported to be associated with Aloe plant
extracts. These are claimed to give 84-72% inhibition of tumor cells
in mice.
In cough drops:
The Aloe leaf extract along with sugar is used in the
preparation of cough drops. Concentrated Aloe extract and sugar is
mixed, dried and extracted with ethanol. Ethanol is evaporated and
residue is used for cough drop preparation.
Anti-inflammatory activity:
The steroids along with Aloe extracts are used externally
against inflammation.
Analgesic:
Aloe vera leaves epidermis extract and ascorbic acid is used in
the preparation of stabilized gel. This gel is effective as analgesic for
jellyfish sting.
Wound healing:
The preparation containing aloin, Aloe emodin and
polysaccharides extracted from Aloe are reported to be useful for the
treatment of wounds. Extract is used in promoting rapid healing after

33
dental surgery.
Anti-fungal activity:
Aloes have inhibitory activity against three strains of
Triclophyton mentagrophytes. Heating at 100 reduces the
fungicidal activities of Aloe leaves.
Antibiotic activity:
An antibiotic activity is shown in culture media forgrowing
fungl and yeast. The glycoside barbaloin is extracted from Aloe vera,
which inhibited the growth of mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Aloe
extracts havelittle protective effect against Salmonella typimurium.
Cosmetic and skin care:
The enzyme tyrosinase is responsible for discoloration of skin.
The Aloe extract inhibits the activity of tyrosinase. Aloins are used in
the preparation of shave cream, suntan lotion and many other
cosmetic substances. The wound healing property of aloin is
synergistic.
Miscellaneous applications:
The Aloe extracts have a certain affinity for terminal organs of
the parasympathetic nervous system (in the heart and uterus). They
prolong the duration of the motor effect of adrenaline on the uterus.
It is also used for treating obstruction of the lymphatic system,
insects bites, arthritis and myopathies.
Historians have recorded that Aristotle persuaded Alexander the
Great to conquer the Island of Socotra (East Africa) for the purpose of
obtaining sufficient amounts of Aloes as a wound-healing agent for his
soldiers.

Contra indications:
- During pregnancy
- Lactation period
- Prolonged use

34
17. Storage

Acarya Caraka says that culled herb should be placed in

suitable vessels; they should be stored in a room, which is windless
(Ca, Ka, 1/11).
Physical as well as chemical changes, enzymetic changes,
yeast, bacteria, fungal infections are the factors, which decrease the
potency of gel. Hence it is advisable to keep the gel in glass bottle
and keep it in cool place.

Kumari gel is one type of Svarasa, so it should be used within one week
from the day when it is culled.

18. Dose

Consideration of dose is very important to achive the desired

result because too large doses may cause side effects and too small
would not be effective. Hence the dose may be so regulated that the
drug produces the desired effect but may not be harmful to the
tissues.
- Kumari gel --- 2-3 gms
- Kumari Ghanavati --- 250 mg
- Juice --- 10-20ml
- Powder (extract) 0.1-0.3 gm

35
19. Formulation

Kumari is used in the following formulations:

- Kumaryasava
- Kumarika vati
- Kumaripaka
- Kumari taila
- Rajahpravartani vati etc.

36
 Bibliography

Books
1. Pandeya G., Dravya Guna Vijnana, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.
2. Yagi A., Aloe Vera 1st Ed., DHC, Tokyo, 1997
3. Frawley D. & Lad V., The Yoga and Herbs, 1986
4. Fujita K., Aloe Daihyakka, Shufunotomo, Tokyo, 1996
1. Tanaka K. Medicinal Plants Encyclopedia 1st Ed., Ienohikari-kyokai,
Tokyo, 2002

Samhita
1. Agnivesha, Dridhabal Caraka Samhita V-VI Part. Shri
Gulabkunvarba AyurvedicSociety, Jamnagar 1st Ed. 1949.
2. Ashtaga Hrdya Sarvanga Sundara, Ayurvedic Rasayana
Tikadvaya Krishnadasa Academy, Varanasi.
3. Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Samhita, Vidyotini Commentry,
Caukhamba Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, 2nd Ed. 1949.
4. Bhela : Bhela Samhita, Caukhamba Sanskrit Series, Varanasi, 1961.
5. Kashyapa : Kashyapa Samhita Ed. Pandit Hemaraja Sharma & Y.T.
Acarya, Nirnaya Sagar Press, Bombay.
6. Sharangadhara : Sharanghadara Samhita Baidyanatha Ayurveda
Bhavan, 1975.
7. Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda Tatva Sadipika Commented by
Ambika Dutta Shastry, I-II Part, Caukhamba Sanskrit Bhavan,
Varanasi 8th Ed. 1993.

Thesis
1. Singh D.P. Role of certain indigenous drugs on Yuvanapidika in
1982, Jamnagar.
2. Agravat H.P. - Yuvanapidika and role of Lodhradi lepa there in 1993
from Jamnagar.
3. Gandhi M.- Asthentics in medical science and personality
damaging disease particular reference to Yuvanapidika in 1995
from Jamnagar

37
Web
1. Aloe Vera Company UK, Properties of Aloe Vera Constituents,
http://www.aloevera.co.uk/aloeprop.thm
2. Aloe Vera Products,
http://www.aloeveraproducts.com/about_aloe_vera.htm
3. Herbal Information Center, Aloe Vera,
http://www.kcweb.com/herb/aloevera.htm
4. Holistic-online, Herbal Information, Aloe Vera,
http://holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h2.htm
5. Properties and Action of Aloe Vera,
http://www.miyakojima.ne.jp/kyuyou/shoukai.htm
6. Aloe Senka,
http://www.wind.ne.jp/hirata/aloesenk.htm

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