Abstract:
Introduction: Currently, several plants are used by folk medicine to treat pathologies. Some plants are also used by the pharmaceutical industry for the production of pharmaceutical ingredients such as medicines and personal hygiene products, such as Aloe vera, the subject of this article. Objective: This article aims to present some pharmacological properties of Aloe vera, as well as the toxic effects of using its dry extract orally. Methodology: The study was carried out from the systematic review of several scientific articles that addressed the pharmacological properties of Aloe vera and the toxic effects of its dry extract when used orally. Results and discussion: Some of the pharmacological properties that deserve to be highlighted are: anti-inflammatory, healing, anti-neoplastic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and antibacterial. Among the toxic actions, we can highlight the action of anthraquinones that, if consumed orally, can cause abdominal cramps, intense diarrhea that consequently generate the loss of electrolytes causing dysfunctions in the neuromuscular and cardiac systems. Several studies and researches are being carried out to evaluate the pharmacological activities and their possible toxic effects. Conclusion: In this way, several studies prove several pharmacological properties, however, research and tests are still necessary for the toxic evaluation of Aloe vera since its internal use is not recommended due to the presence of anthraquinones that cause some toxic effects that can lead to death if used in large quantities.
