Comparative Pharmacognostic Studies on Aloe schweinfurthii and Aloe vera (Aloeceae) Leaves

In the modern era, herbs are found to be potential medicine for a variety of diseases. The usage of herbal drugs has increased in both developing and developed counties due their natural origin and minimal side effects. At present, the standardization of herbal drugs and herbal preparations is a priority area for Nigerian government and also Nigerian pharmaceutical industries. The Aloe plant (family, Aloeceae) has been used all over the world for many years for various medicinal and health purposes. Studies on the macro- and micro-morphology of the leaves of Aloe schweinfurthii Baker and those of Aloe vera (Linn.) Burm. f., (a world acknowledged Aloe species), were carried out for comparative identification, authentication, chemo-microscopy, quantitative microscopy and phytochemical profiles that could be incorporated into their monographs in the proposed Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia (NHP). The results showed that both Aloe species possessed many similarities in epidermal characteristics with the ranunculaceous stomata that is more abundant in A. schweinfurthii. The TS of A. vera is clearly distinguished from A. schweinfurthii with the presence of calcium oxalate and raphides. Physical evaluation points out that the total ash value of the dried leaf, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, water soluble extractive and alcohol soluble extractive values of A.’schweinfurthii are greater than that of A. vera. General phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extracts of both Aloe species revealed similarities in the presence of free and combined anthraquinones, starch, flavonoids, steroidal and phenolic compounds.