Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe vera, is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is cultivated worldwide for agricultural and medicinal uses. The species is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant.

Description

Aloe barbadensis is a perennial, xerophytic, succulent plant that is green and has triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges. The margin of the leaf is serrated with small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.

Cultivation and uses

Aloe barbadensis is widely cultivated throughout the world and is used in products such as drinks, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns. There is some preliminary evidence that extracts of Aloe barbadensis might have anti-inflammatory effects and could be useful in treating skin conditions such as sunburns and acne, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Medicinal uses

The clear gel from Aloe barbadensis leaves has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Dried Aloe barbadensis latex, a separate substance derived from the leaf, is used orally as a laxative.

Safety concerns

While Aloe barbadensis is generally safe when used appropriately, oral consumption of aloe latex can lead to abdominal cramps and diarrhea due to its laxative effects. People with allergies to plants in the Liliaceae family (which includes garlic, onions, and tulips) may also have allergic reactions to Aloe barbadensis.

See also

• List of Aloe species
• Aloe
• Medicinal plants