Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant that is believed to originate from northern Africa. It has a long history of traditional medicinal use but there is limited scientific evidence that supports many of its health claims. Aloe vera gel is commonly used in cosmetic products and some dietary supplements due to proposed moisturizing, healing, and soothing properties, though more research is still needed to verify these benefits and ensure safety. Aloe vera continues to be studied for potential medical applications such as wound healing and treatment of diabetes or hyperlipidemia.

1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in northern Africa. The species
does not have any naturally occurring populations, although closely related aloes do occur in
northern Africa.[1] The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the
beginning of the first century AD. Extracts from A. vera are widely used in the cosmetics and
alternative medicine industries, being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing or
soothing properties.[2][3][4] There is, however, little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or
safety of A. vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes, and what positive evidence
is available is frequently contradicted by other studies.[5][6][7][8] Medical uses of aloe vera are
being investigated as well.
Description
Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in)
tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some
varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces.[9] The margin of the leaf is
serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm
(35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in)
long.[9][10] Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that
allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.[11
Taxonomy and etymology
Spotted forms of Aloe vera are sometimes known as Aloe vera var. chinensis.
The species has a number of synonyms: A. barbadensis Mill., Aloe indica Royle, Aloe perfoliata
L. var. vera and A. vulgaris Lam.[12][13] Common names include Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True
Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant.[10][14][15][16][17] The species epithet vera means
"true" or "genuine".[14] Some literature identifies the white spotted form of Aloe vera as Aloe
vera var. chinensis;[18][19] however, the species varies widely with regard to leaf spots[1] and it has
been suggested that the spotted form of Aloe vera may be conspecific with A. massawana.[20]
The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Aloe perfoliata var. vera,[21] and was
described again in 1768 by Nicolaas Laurens Burman as Aloe vera in Flora Indica on 6 April

2. and by Philip Miller as Aloe barbadensis some ten days after Burman in the Gardener's
Dictionary.[22]
Techniques based on DNA comparison suggest that Aloe vera is relatively closely related to Aloe
perryi, a species that is endemic to Yemen.[23] Similar techniques, using chloroplast DNA
sequence comparison and ISSR profiling have also suggested that Aloe vera is closely related to
Aloe forbesii, Aloe inermis, Aloe scobinifolia, Aloe sinkatana, and Aloe striata.[24] With the
exception of the South African species A. striata, these Aloe species are native to Socotra
(Yemen), Somalia, and Sudan.[24] The lack of obvious natural populations of the species have led
some authors to suggest that Aloe vera may be of hybrid origin.[25]
Distribution
The natural range of Aloe vera is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated throughout
the world. Naturalised stands of the species occur in the southern half of the Arabian peninsula,
through North Africa (Morocco, Mauritania, Egypt) as well as Sudan and neighbouring
countries, along with the Canary, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands.[12] This distribution is
somewhat similar to the one of Euphorbia balsamifera, Pistacia atlantica, and a few others,
suggesting that a dry sclerophyl forest once covered large areas, but has been dramatically
reduced due to desertification in the Sahara, leaving these few patches isolated. Several closely
related (or sometimes identical) species can be found on the two extreme sides of the Sahara:
Dragon trees (Dracaena) and Aeonium being two of the most representative examples.
The species was introduced to China and various parts of southern Europe in the 17th century.[26]
The species is widely naturalised elsewhere, occurring in temperate and tropical regions of
Australia, Barbados, Belize, Nigeria, Paraguay and the United States[1][27] It has been suggested
that the actual species' distribution is the result of human cultivation.[20]
Cultivation
Aloe vera can be grown as an ornamental plant.
Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern
gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and due to its interesting flowers, form, and succulence.
This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for
rockeries and other low-water use gardens.[9] The species is hardy in zones 8–11, although it is
intolerant of very heavy frost or snow.[10][28] The species is relatively resistant to most insect

3. pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in
plant health.[29][30] In pots, the species requires well-drained sandy potting soil and bright sunny
conditions; however, in very hot and humid tropical or subtropical climates, aloe plants should
be protected from direct sun and rain, as they will burn and/or turn mushy easily under these
conditions. The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or pre-packaged "cacti and
succulent mix" is recommended, as they allow good drainage.[31] Terracotta pots are preferable
as they are porous.[31] Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering.
When potted aloes become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant,"
they should be divided and re-potted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest
infestations. During winter, Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is
required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated
glasshouses.[10] Large scale agricultural production of Aloe vera is undertaken in Pakistan,
Australia,[32] Bangladesh, Cuba,[33] the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico,[34] India,[35]
Jamaica,[36] Kenya and South Africa,[37] along with the USA[38] to supply the cosmetics industry
with Aloe vera gel.
Uses
Aloe vera gel being used to make a dessert.
Preparations made from the plant Aloe vera are often referred to as "aloe vera".[39] Scientific
evidence for the cosmetic and therapeutic effectiveness of aloe vera is limited and when present
is frequently contradictory.[5][6] Despite this, the cosmetic and alternative medicine industries
regularly make claims regarding the soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties of aloe vera,
especially via Internet advertising.[7][3][4][2][40] Aloe vera gel is used as an ingredient in
commercially available lotions, yogurt, beverages, and some desserts,[41][42][43] although at certain
doses, it has toxic properties when used either for ingested or topical applications.[44]
Folk medicine
Aloe vera has a long association with herbal medicine, although it is not known when its medical
applications were first suspected. Early records of Aloe vera use appear in the Ebers Papyrus
from 16th century BC,[17] in both Dioscorides' De Materia Medica and Pliny the Elder's Natural
History written in the mid-first century CE[17] along with the Juliana Anicia Codex produced in

4. 512 AD.[41] The species is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of China, Japan, Russia,
South Africa, the United States, Jamaica, Latin America and India.[7]
Dietary supplement
Aloin, a compound found in the exudate of some Aloe species, was the common ingredient in
over-the-counter (OTC) laxative products in the United States prior to 2003, when the Food and
Drug Administration ruled that aloin was a class III ingredient, thereby banning its use.[45] Aloe
vera has potential toxicity, with side-effects occurring at some dose levels both when ingested or
applied topically.[44] Although toxicity may be less when aloin is removed by processing, aloe
vera that contains aloin in excess amounts may induce side-effects.[7][8][46] A 2-year National
Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral consumption of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of
aloe vera found evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats. The NTP says more
information is needed to determine the potential risks to humans.[47]
Aloe vera juice is marketed to support the health of the digestive system, but there is neither
scientific evidence nor regulatory approval to support this claim.[48] The extracts and quantities
typically used for such purposes appear to be dose-dependent for toxic effects.[44]
Phytochemicals
Aloe vera leaves contain phytochemicals under study for possible bioactivity, such as acetylated
mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones and anthraquinones, and various
lectins.[7][49][50]
Commodities
Aloe vera is now widely used on facial tissues, where it is promoted as a moisturiser and/or anti-
irritant to reduce chafing of the nose of users suffering hay-fever or cold.[51] It is common
practice for cosmetic companies to add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such
as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving cream, and shampoos.[41]
Other uses for extracts of aloe vera include the dilution of semen for the artificial fertilization of
sheep,[52] use as fresh food preservative,[53] and use in water conservation in small farms.[54] It
has also been suggested that biofuels could be obtained from Aloe vera seeds.[55] Aloe is also
used as a food substance. Some molecular gastronomists have begun to take advantage of its
gelling properties. Perhaps the most notable among these is Chef Quique Dacosta's "Oysters
Guggenheim," created at El Poblet in Spain.[56]
Research for possible medical uses
Aloe vera may be effective in treatment of wounds.[8] Evidence on the effects of its sap on
wound healing, however, is limited and contradictory.[8] Some studies, for example, show that
aloe vera promotes the rates of healing,[57][58] while, in contrast, other studies show that wounds
to which aloe vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal than those treated with
conventional medical preparations.[59][60] A 2007 review concluded that the cumulative evidence
supports the use of aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns.[61] Topical

5. application of aloe vera may also be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis.[62] However, it is
not effective for the prevention of radiation-induced injuries. Although anecdotally useful, it has
not been proven to offer protection from sunburn or suntan.[63]
In a double-blind clinical trial, both the group using an aloe vera containing dentifrice and the
group using a fluoridated dentifrice had a reduction of gingivitis and plaque, but no statistically
significant difference was found between the two.[64]
There is preliminary evidence that A. vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of diabetes and
elevated blood lipids in humans.[7] These positive effects are thought to be due to the presence of
compounds such as mannans, anthraquinones and lectins.[7][49][50]Internal intake of aloe vera has
been linked in preliminary research with improved blood glucose levels in diabetics,[65][66]
although it has been suggested by the NTP that aloe may lower blood glucose levels.[47] It has
also been linked with lower blood lipids in hyperlipidaemic patients,[67] but also with acute
hepatitis (liver disease).[46] In other diseases, preliminary studies have suggested oral aloe vera
gel may reduce symptoms and inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.[39] Abdominal
cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use of aloe vera. Diarrhea, caused by the
laxative effect of oral aloe vera, can decrease the absorption of many drugs.[47] Compounds
extracted from aloe vera have been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in
cats and dogs;[49] however, this treatment has not been scientifically tested in humans.
Gels from Aloe vera have been compared to those derived from other aloe species and with other
plants belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. Bulbine frutescens, for example, is used widely
for burns and a host of skin afflictions.[68] Aloe vera extracts might have antibacterial and
antifungal activities, which possibly could help treat minor skin infections, such as boils and
benign skin cysts and may inhibit growth of fungi causing tinea.[69] For bacteria, inner-leaf gel
from aloe vera was shown in one study to inhibit growth of Streptococcus and Shigella species in
vitro.[70] In contrast, aloe vera extracts failed to show antibiotic properties against Xanthomonas
species.[71]
All About Aloe Vera - Uses & Health Benefits
"You ask me what were the secret forces which sustained me during my long fasts. Well, it was my
unshakeable faith in God, my simple and frugal lifestyle, and the Aloe whose benefits I discovered upon
my arrival in South Africa at the end of the nineteenth century".
- Mahatma Gandhi
Introduction
Common Names: Aloe vera, Aloe, Lily of the desert, Burn plant, Elephant's gall
Latin Names: Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis
Aloe vera's use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where the plant was depicted on stone
carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.
Native to Northern Africa, Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis Mill., A. vulgaris Lam.) is a stemless or very

6. short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 80–100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. The
leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a serrated margin. The flowers are
produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm long.
Clinical evealuations have revealed that the pharmacological active ingredients are concentrated in both
the gel and rind of the aloe vera leaves. These active ingredients have been shown to have analgesic and
anti-inflammatory effects.
Various Uses of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is being used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative,
since centuries. Today, apart from the people traditional uses, people also take aloe vera orally to treat
a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically
for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns. Aloe vera has been used to treat various skin conditions such as
cuts, burns and eczema.
Aloe vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, including lotions and sunblocks. Cosmetic
manufacturers add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to makeup products, tissues, moisturizers,
soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved aloe vera as a natural food flavoring. In Japan,
Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available yogurt. Many companies in East
Asia produce Aloe Vera beverages. Pashtuns in the Hazara region of the North West Frontier Province
have been using Aloe Vera for centuries to improve physical endurance, probably due to the high
nutrient content of the gel. People in Rajasthan, India prepare Aloe Vera as a vegetable with fenugreek
seeds. Similarly, people in Tamil Nadu, another state of India prepare a curry using Aloe Vera eat along
with Indian bread or rice.
Among the recent uses of Aloe vera includes using it as a Food preservative. Researchers at the
University of Miguel Hernández in Alicante, Spain, have developed a gel based on Aloe vera that
prolongs the conservation of fresh produce, like fresh fruit and legumes. This gel is tasteless, colorless
and odorless. This natural product is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic
preservatives such as sulfur dioxide. The study showed that grapes at 1°C coated with this gel could be
preserved for 35 days against 7 days for untreated grapes.
Aloe vera Gel and Juice are different?
People often assumed incorrectly that Aloe vera Gel and Juice are the same thing, which they are not.
Let us understand the Aloe leaf structure first. It is made up of four layers - Rind, Sap, Mucilage and Gel.
Rind is the outer protective layer; Sap is a layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from
animals; Mucilage and the Gel, which is the inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera
gel.
The term Juice refers to the bitter sap or Latex that resides just under the skin of the leaf and contains a
potent laxative - Aloin. This juice should not be used by human unless desired or recommended by a

7. doctor.
What does it contain
Aloe Vera contains over 75 known active ingredients (and probably many more). Also included are 19 of
the 20 amino acids required by the human body and 7 of the 8 essential amino acids (that the body
cannot make), as well as vitamins and minerals. There are 20 "critical" Amino Acids in human
metabolism, but the body can only make 12, the other 8 have to be obtained from food. These are
Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Valine, and Tryptophan.
Aloe Vera contains also contain useful enzymes like Amylase, Bradykinase, Catalase, Cellulase, Lipase,
Oxidase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Proteolytiase, Creatine Phosphokinase, Carboxypeptidase. Most of these
are beneficial to human metabolism.
Lignin gives Aloe Vera its penetrating powers, but is not considered to have any other benefit.
Aloe Vera contains important minerals like Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese,
Potassium, Phosphorous, Sodium, and Zinc.
As most of us know that the mono-saccharides are the familiar glucose and fructose. It is believed that
the more complex long-chain sugars are the poly-saccharides give Aloe Vera its unique healing and
immuno-stimulating properties.
Aloe Vera contains useful vitamins. These include A (beta-carotene and retinol), B1 (thiamine), B2 (
riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin), C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol) and Folic
Acid.
Salicylic Acid, a substance similar to aspirin that can help reduce fever and inflammation is also found in
Aloe vera. It also contains Saponins and Sterols. Saponins are natural soapy substances that have both
cleansing and antiseptic properties while Sterols are naturally occurring plant steroids with analgesic,
anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
"Extracts of Aloe Vera first became popular as a proven skin healer. Aloe is said to improve collagen
repair, heal burns and prevent wrinkles. It is a powerful detoxifier, antiseptic and tonic for the nervous
system. It also has immune-boosting and anti-viral properties. Research has proven that adding Aloe
Vera to ones diet improves digestion. As a general health tonic, there are benefits in taking a measure of
Aloe Vera each day"
Patrick Holford, Founder - Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) (Source: Metro Magazine August 2000)
Here are few benefits of Aloe Vera: - Studies have shown that aloe vera speeds the healing process,
particularly in burns, including those from radiation. It is also used by dermatologists to speed healing

8. after facial dermabrasion, which helps remove scars from the top most layers of the skin. The other
health benefits from the use of aloe vera include helping to soothe skin injuries affected by burning,
skin irritations, cuts and insect bites, and its bactricidal properties relieve itching and skin swellings.
- Aloe Vera possesses incredible moisturizing properties. Studies show that Aloe Vera improves the
skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and has an effective penetrating
ability that helps transport healthy substances through the skin.
- Aloe vera is also known to help slow down the appearance of wrinkles as it can actively repair the
damaged skin cells that cause the visible signs of aging. Components of Aloe Vera have been found to
reverse degenerative skin changes by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis.
- Dermatologist James Fulton, M.D., of Newport Beach, California, uses topical aloe in his practice to
speed wound healing. "Any wound we treat, whether it's suturing a cut or removing a skin cancer, heals
better with aloe vera on it," he states.
- Top nutritionalists, around the world, recommend the use of Aloe Health Drinks to aid digestion, and
many patients experience relief in the symptoms of problems such as Irritable Bowel Sydrome and
Crohn's disease.
- Aloe Vera is believed to reduce severe joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis, as well as pain
related to tendinitis and injuries. When applied directly to the area of pain, Aloe Vera penetrates the
skin to soothe the pain.
- Aloe Vera is considered as a miraculous plant by some for even hair loss treatment. It is assumed that
no other plant more closely matches the human body's biochemistry, hence, an excellent treatment for
hair loss. It has anti-inflammatory properties of and therfore helps in fighting against Androgenetic
Alopecia.