Micropropagation of Aloe barbadensis Mill: A multiplication technique

We present a method for development of micropropagation protocol of Aloe barbadensis. Aloe barbadensis Mill (synonym- Aloe vera L) is known as Kumari in Ayurveda. It is an important perennial medicinal herb belonging to the family Liliaceae. Aloe leaves contain very useful secondary metabolite like anthracene derivatives, which occur either free or in the form of glycosides. Because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-bacteria, immune-enhancing and parasite killing activities. In nature, propagation of Aloe barbadensis Mill is primarily by means of offshoots. But propagation rate is slow as a single plant can produce only 3-4 offshoots in a year. Because of its heavy exploitation and ever increasing demand the production rate of Aloe plants is insufficient for commercial plantation. Thus there is a need to undertake large-scale multiplication and cultivation of Aloe.