Protocols for plant propagation through rhizome and axillary bud were established for Musabar - Aloe vera L. (Liliaceae). Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium with 4.4 µM benzyladenine (BA) with 2.88 µM Indole-acetic acid (IAA) and 0.98 µM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) elicited the maximum number of shoots (35 multiple shoots) on rhizome explants and (12 shoots) from axillary node explants. The regenerated shoots were rooted on half MS medium with 1.14 µM IAA within 12 days. Almost, 97% of the rooted shoots survived hardening when transferred to the field. The regenerated plants did not show any morphological change and variation in levels of secondary metabolite when compared with the mother stock.
Aloe vera L. belonging to family Liliaceae enjoys a long history of clear acceptance as an important herb possessing healing or curative qualities (Gjerstad and Riner, 1968). Aloe is nature's all-purpose healer. It has acquired one of the highest levels of recognition among herbs due to a wide range of applications from laxative to gentle moisturizer, herbal beverage and dietary supplement. Due to its immense properties, the Egyptians named this excellent herb `Aloe ' as the plant of immortality (Crosswhite and Crosswhite, 1984).
Grindlay and Reynolds (1986) reported the introduction of several species of Aloe in India, East and West Indies, Europe and other tropical countries. It is planted in Indian gardens and also found in a semi-wild state in many parts of India. In India, Aloe vera is cultivated on a limited scale in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The plant can be separated into two basic products: gel and latex. Aloe vera gel has emollient and moisturizing effects and therapeutic properties (Anonymous, 1976; and Rund, 1996). It is known to possess important biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumorigenic, antiallergic, infected wound healing by immuno enhancement and general tonic effect. It is a purgative, aphrodisiac, alexiteric, useful in eye diseases, enlargement of spleen, liver complaints, vomiting, erysipelas, asthma, leprosy, jaundice and strangury (Kirtikar and Basu, 1975). It is also reported to exhibit antifungal activity against four common post-harvest fruit pathogenic fungi (Saks and Barkai, 1996). The juice and liquid supplement stimulates the immune system to relieve stomach disorders and aid digestion. The juice is used on burns, colic, skin diseases, constipation, abdominal tumors, lumbago and flatulence. The exudate is used for helminthiasis and anthelmintic conditions in children and also painful inflammations, chronic, ulcers and opthalmia. It is used for the treatment of eczematous skin under the name of `Musabbar' and local applications.
