Utilization of Aloe vera in Thailand and the guideline for development of circular economy

Abstract

Aloe or Aloe barbadensis Miller is occasionally referred to as Aloe vera Linne, which is another name for A. barbadensis and is frequently shortened to Aloe vera.  There are 400 different strains of the aloe plant, which has a high level of diversity. This plant is widely used for medicinal purposes and diverse of food because of the constituents in the aloe leaf gel possess various medicinal properties and have a good taste.  Nowadays, Thailand can produce processed Aloe vera domestically. Aloe vera are processed as food, diverse of healthy soft drink due to the highly demand of world market and the popular of health care among the consumers. However, production of food and products from Aloe vera delivers important wastes which are peel of Aloe vera leave and waste water. These wastes contaminate with anthraquinone which is toxic to human body. However, waste from Aloe vera processing can be utilized and adding value by recycling the contaminated anthraquinone. The anthraquinone can be utilized as the beneficial precursor for production of several substances due to the fact that the anthraquinone possesses antifungal and antimicrobial properties.  Anthraquinone is used in Thai traditional medicine which is called “Yadum” (“Ya” means medicine, “dum” means black).  In each year, Thailand imports Yadum extract in order to produce the varieties of Thai medicines.  Therefore, if the waste from Aloe vera processing can be utilized, it will decrease the environmental burden and reduction of imported Yadum extracts. Development of circular economy in accordance with Aloe vera processing can promote eco-friendly economy and leads to sustainable development.