Aloe Vera is an increasingly popular plant. More people are becoming aware of the healing and hydrating properties of the plant and aloe vera is increasingly used in the healthcare and cosmetics industry. Usage in the food industry is also increasing, most notably in the form of aloe vera drinks.
Aloe vera leaves consist of two parts: the outside, rubbery layer and the inside gel. The outside layer contains aloin, a substance that is harmful to humans when consumed too much, as it has diuretic effects. The inside gel contains all of the benefits for humans, as it contains a powerful polysaccharide called acemannan. Aloe gel can help with wound healing as it aids cell regeneration. It also contains many anti-oxidants, 20 different amino acids, and many different vitamins. The gel extracted from the aloe vera leaves is therefore used in cosmetics, healthcare, and food industry.
Drinks with aloe vera, such as aloe vera juices but also yogurt drinks with aloe vera gel, are gaining popularity. Aloe vera drinks are gaining popularity in Europe, the US, and East Asia. Depending on the region, it is marketed differently. In the US, it is mainly marketed for its health benefits, whereas in Europe the focus was on skin benefits and the absence of preservatives. Aloe vera drinks are still a nice product and are mainly bought by consumers who are health-conscious. Although the market is still small, it is recording growth each year.
Ensuring that the aloe gel and juice contain a low level of aloin and a high level of acemannan is vital. Bhaskara Biotech, an Indian aloe vera producer, uses precise technology to ensure that only the valuable inner gel is extracted. The company does not only extract the gel from the leaf, but it also extracts the mucilage, which contains higher levels of polysaccharides. The aloin from the outer leaf, however, is not extracted. As a result of its precise extraction, the company’s aloe vera juice and cosmetics contain higher levels of polysaccharides. Only minimal preservatives are added, no more than 0.4%, to stabilize the juice and gel for color and microorganisms.
Bhaskara Biotech cultivates over 200 acres of Aloe Barbadensis Miller, the most common variety. Aloe vera is grown year-round, outside. The plant requires high temperatures and a lot of water, so the company grows its crop in the state of Hyderabad, which receives a lot of sunlight and minimal flooding. The company estimates that in total, there are around 4K to 5K acres devoted to the production of aloe vera in India. The Indian climate is very well-suited for the production of aloe. The ‘Aloe Plantation Belt’ denotes a region where the climatic conditions for growing aloe vera are ideal. Aloe vera thrives in the tropical savanna climate, which can be found in Southern China, India, mainland Southeast Asia and in Mexico and Central America.