Potential of Aloe vera in Dermato-cosmetology: An Integrative Appraisal of Unani Therapeutics and Contemporary Biomedical Evidence
Abstract
Skin disorders are a growing global health burden, often associated with significant physical morbidity and psychosocial impairment. The increasing demand for safe dermatological and cosmetic agents has strengthened interest in natural products with multifunctional properties. Aloe vera is widely used in traditional and modern medicine for skin and hair care due to its broad biological activities. In Unani medicine, Aloe vera (Elwa/Sibr) is an important drug described under Umoor-e-Zeeenat and is traditionally indicated for inflammatory, infectious, and chronic dermatological conditions. This review integrates classical Unani concepts with contemporary biomedical evidence to evaluate the dermatological, dermatocosmetic, and topical drug delivery potential of Aloe vera. Classical Unani literature was assessed to identify its temperament, actions, and formulations, while modern studies were reviewed to summarize its phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. Unani texts attribute actions such as Jālī, Qābiz, Mujaffif, Murattib, Mulattif, Muhallil-e-Waram, and Munaqqī-e-Qurūh, which correlate with experimentally proven anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, wound-healing, moisturizing, and barrier-restorative effects. These activities are mainly linked to anthraquinones, polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds. Clinical evidence supports its use in acne vulgaris, tinea, dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, radiation dermatitis, burns, wounds, scars, and scalp disorders. Its favorable safety profile and formulation adaptability further support its incorporation into topical drug delivery systems and cosmeceuticals. Overall, the convergence of Unani therapeutics with biomedical evidence highlights Aloe vera as a promising integrative agent in dermatology, warranting further standardized clinical research.
Keywords: Aloe vera; Unani medicine; Umoor-e-Zeeenat; Skin disorders; Sibr; Elwa
Keywords:
Aloe vera, Unani medicine, Umoor-e-Zeeenat, Skin disorders, Sibr, ElwaDOI
https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v16i3.7619References
1. Sacchidanand S, editor. IADVL textbook of dermatology. 4th ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2015.
2. Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS, editors. Fitzpatrick's dermatology. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.
3. Li D, Fan S, Zhao H, Song J, Li W, Xu X. Global, regional and national burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Int Health. 2025;ihaf070. https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf070 PMid:40580005
4. Kant L, Singal A. Skin health takes the global stage: dawn of a new era. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2025;0:1-2. https://doi.org/10.25259/IJDVL_1409_2025 PMid:40990955
5. Krasuska M, Lavda AC, Thompson AR, Millings A. The role of adult attachment orientation and coping in psychological adjustment to living with skin conditions. Br J Dermatol. 2018;178(6):1396-403. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16268 PMid:29274241
6. Soon K, Shipton A, Wray J, Butler S. Attachment style and children and young people with chronic dermatological conditions. Child Care Health Dev. 2024;50(1):e13152. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.13152 PMid:37487576
7. Ak M. Cosmetics in use: a pharmacological review. J Dermatol Cosmetol. 2019;3(2):50-67. https://doi.org/10.15406/jdc.2019.03.00115
8. Shai A, Maibach HI, Baran R. Handbook of cosmetic skin care. 2nd ed. London: Informa Healthcare; 2000.
9. Bilal M, Iqbal HMN. An insight into toxicity and human-health-related adverse consequences of cosmeceuticals-a review. Sci Total Environ. 2019;670:555-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.261 PMid:30909033
10. Manzoor F. Concept of cosmetology and its historical background in Unani perspective. J Drug Deliv Ther. 2024;14(4):104-7. https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v14i4.6498
11. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple D. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(4):163-6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785 PMid:19882025 PMCid:PMC2763764
12. Khan M. Muheet Aazam. Vol. 3. New Delhi: CBS Publishers & Distributors; 2014. p. 430-6.
13. Ghani N. Khazainul Advia. New Delhi: Idara Kitab-al-Shifa; 2010. p. 308-12.
14. Franz C, Bauer R, Carle R, Tedesco D, Tubaro A, Zitterl-Eglseer K. Study of the assessment of plants/herbs, plant extracts and their naturally or synthetically produced components as additives for use in animal production. Brussels: EFSA; 2005.
15. Ashraf M. Makhzanul Mufradat. New Delhi: Aijaz Publishing House; 2005. p. 89-90.
16. Dal'Belo SE, Gaspar LR, Maia Campos PMBG. Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Res Technol. 2006;12(4):241-6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00155.x PMid:17026654
17. Christaki E, Florou-Paneri P. Aloe vera: a plant for many uses. J Food Agric Environ. 2010;8:245-9.
18. Radha MH, Laxmipriya NP. Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: a systematic review. J Tradit Complement Med. 2015;5(1):21-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.10.006 PMid:26151005 PMCid:PMC4488101
19. Tariq A. Tajul Mufradat. New Delhi: Idara Kitab-al-Shifa; 2010. p. 105-7.
20. Baghdadi I. Al Mukhtaraat Fit Tib. Vol. 4. New Delhi: CCRUM; 2007. p. 120-1.
21. Hajheydari Z, Saeedi M, Morteza-Semnani K, Soltani A. Effect of Aloe vera topical gel combined with tretinoin in treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized double-blind prospective trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2014;25(2):123-9. https://doi.org/10.3109/09546634.2013.768328 PMid:23336746
22. Mohammed KY, Al-Waiz MM, Katteb DMA, Almetewty SS. Topical Aloe vera in treatment of tinea corporis or cruris: an open therapeutic clinical trial. J Curr Med Res Opin. 2024;7(7):3373-8.
23. Choonhakarn C, Busaracome P, Sripanidkulchai B, Sarakarn P. A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing topical Aloe vera with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(2):168-72. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03377.x PMid:19686327
24. Panahi Y, Rastgar N, Zamani A, Sahebkar A. Comparing the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera and olive oil combination cream versus topical betamethasone for atopic dermatitis: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. J Pharmacopuncture. 2020;23(3):173-8. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2020.23.3.173 PMid:33072415 PMCid:PMC7540232
25. West DP, Zhu YF. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect Control. 2003;31(1):40-2. https://doi.org/10.1067/mic.2003.12 PMid:12548256
26. Wang T, Liao J, Zheng L, Zhou Y, Jin Q, Wu Y. Aloe vera for prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis: a systematic review and cumulative analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:976698. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.976698 PMid:36249738 PMCid:PMC9557187
27. Teplicki E, Ma Q, Castillo DE, Zarei M, Hustad AP, Chen J, et al. The effects of Aloe vera on wound healing in cell proliferation, migration, and viability. Wounds. 2018;30(9):263-8.
28. Anonymous. The Unani Pharmacopoeia of India. Part I. New Delhi: Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH; 2007. p. 82-3.
29. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.
30. Kabeeruddin M. Bayaz-e-Kabeer. Hyderabad: Hikmat Book Depot; 1935. p. 90.
31. Tariq H, Zia M, Ihsan-ul-Haq, Muhammad SA, Khan SA, Fatima N, et al. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and protein kinase inhibition potential in Aloe vera L. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:1-14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6478187 PMid:31467904 PMCid:PMC6699339
32. Dive A, Pandav A, Chougule N. Aloe vera in hair cosmetics: a comprehensive overview. Int J Innov Res Technol. 2024;10(8):136-43.
33. Jadhav CA, Rao P, Jadhav RS. Review on cosmetic value of Aloe vera. World J Pharm Sci. 2020;8(4):19-23.
34. Cho S, Lee S, Lee MJ, Lee DH, Won CH, Kim SM, et al. Dietary Aloe vera supplementation improves facial wrinkles and elasticity and increases type I procollagen gene expression in human skin in vivo. Ann Dermatol. 2009;21(1):6-11. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2009.21.1.6 PMid:20548848 PMCid:PMC2883372
35. Ibn Sina. Al-Qanoon fit-Tib. Urdu translation by Kantoori GH. New Delhi: Idara Kitab-al-Shifa; 2007. p. 1422, 1431-2.
36. Tabari AHABM. Mu'alajat al-Buqratiyya. Vol. 2. New Delhi: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; 1997. p. 157, 214.
37. Jurjani AH. Zakhira Khwarzam Shahi. New Delhi: Idara Kitab-al-Shifa; 2010. p. 54.
Published
Abstract Display: 126 
PDF Downloads: 217 PDF Downloads: 34 How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2026 Shaikh Mohammad Aatif Afzal, Laiba Tasleem Ahmed Ansari , Mohd Arshad Jamal, Jagesh Kumar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
How to Cite
.