Phytochemical Content and Antimicrobial Activity of Aloe Vera extract of Marathwada Region, India

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties due to its rich phytochemical composition, including proteins, carbohydrates, and steroids. The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of solvents such as ethanol and methanol for extracting bioactive compounds and to analyse the phytochemical contents of Aloe vera extracts using various biochemical assays. The dinitro salicylic acid test (DNSA) quantified reducing sugars with ethanol extracts yielding 870 mg/ml compared to 450 mg/ml for methanol extracts. The Biuret test for proteins revealed concentrations of 13.8 mg/ml in ethanol extracts and 13.03 mg/ml in methanol extracts. The Barfoeds test indicated carbohydrate concentrations of 960 mg/ml in ethanol extracts. A qualitative test for steroids confirmed their presence in both solvents, with ethanol showing a more intense reaction, suggesting a higher concentration of steroidal compounds. The results establish ethanol as a more efficient solvent for extracting phytochemicals from Aloe vera. Antimicrobial activity test against E. coli demonstrated superior inhibition zones for ethanol extract, highlighting their potential as natural antibacterial agents. The research indicates the significance of solvent selection in optimizing the therapeutic utility of Aloe vera. It provides a foundation for further exploration into its bioactive compounds and mode of action.