Ethnobotanical archives reveal that

Ethnobotanical archives reveal that more than 800 plants have been used as an alternative remedies for the treatment of high blood glucose associated human ailments with minor or no scientific evidence. It’s not uncommon to find Aloe as an alternative solution in this front line for many years. Aloe is a biochemically complex plant that contains many biologically active substances [1]. Historically, Aloe products have been used in dermatological applications for the treatment of burns, sores and wounds. These uses have stimulated a great deal of research in identifying polysaccharides, chromones, anthraquinones and other compounds from Aloe plants that have clinical implications as anti-inflammatory [2,3] anti-tumor, anti-gastric ulcer, anti-diabetic, anti-tyrosinase [4] and antioxidant activity [5].

Aloe vera, also with a Latin name Aloe barbadensis, leaves and their bitter principles exhibit effects on blood glucose level in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice [6], and dried sap of various Aloe species demonstrates anti-diabetic activity in clinical studies [7].

Chromones are a specific type of aromatic compounds having a benzopyran-4-one as their major skeletal structure as illustrated by the Figure 1. Chomones isolated from various Aloe species have been reported to have diverse biological activity. Aloesin have reportedly inhibited tyrosinase activity [8] and up-regulate cyclin E-dependent kinase activity [9]. Those chromones isolated from Aloe barbadensis also demonstrate anti-inflammatory [10] and antioxidant activity [11].