Aloe vera (barbadensis/capensis)

Family: LILIACEAE
Parts Used: flower, fruit and gelatinous substance in the stalks
Medicinal Properties: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, biogenic stimulator, cholagogue, demulcent, emmenagogue, emollient, hepatic, laxative, purgative, rejuvenative, stomach tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary, aloe vera
Trade Names: herbal sure, cape aloes, mild stimulant laxative, aloe 99 gel, sundance gel, super strength cape aloes, lu hui (Chinese)
aloe vera plant Internal Uses: arthritis, constipation, tuberculosis, ulcers
Internal Applications: capsules, juice, powders, powder extracts
Topical Uses: acne, amenorrhea, boils, burns, dandruff, herpes, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, psoriasis, ringworm, scars, sunburn, wounds
Topical Applications: Topical applications include lotion, poultice, salve, shampoo, spray. Parents have sometimes applied Aloe gel to the finger tips of children who bite their nails in order to get them to break the habit.
Characteristics: cool, bitter, moist
Chemical Constituents: aloins, anthraquinones, barbaloin, polysaccharides, salicylic acids.
Contraindications: Do not use internally during pregnancy. Using Aloe during nursing may have an overly laxative effect on the infant. Excessive use may aggravate hemorrhoids. High doses may cause vomiting. When used as a laxative, combine with other carminative herbs to prevent gripe. When used topically, it is best combined with other moisturizing ingredients to prevent drying of the skin.
Habitat: The plant is culitvated in subtropical regions of the United States and Mexico, and on the Dutch Antilles, as well as coastal regions of Venezuela
Production: Curacao Aloe consists of the dried latex of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis, as well as its preparations. Aloe is harvested from August to October with the juice dried using various methods.

Comments: Laxative effects aloe anthranoids such as 1,8-dihygroxy-anthracene deratives exert a laxative effect. The laxative action is due to anti-absorption osmotic properties. The compounds induce active secreation of electrolytes and water in the lumen of the bowel. Absorption of eledtrolytes and water from the colon is inhibited resulting in a volume increase. The volume increase of the bowel content leads to an increase in pressure and stimulates intestinal peristalsis. There is some evidence that endogenous nitric oxide modulates the diarrhea effect of aloe. Studies demonstrate a laxative effect 9 hours after ingestion (Izzo, 1999).

The word Aloe is derived from the Arabic word alloeh, which means shiny and bitter and refers to the Aloe gel. References to its use as a healing agent can be found amongst early Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Christian literature. Legend says that it was the desire for Aloe plants that caused Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socotra, where Aloe was cultivated in the fourth century B.C. Aloe is also thought to have been one of Cleopatras beauty secrets. In Africa, hunters sometimes rub Aloe juice on their bodies to reduce sweating and to mask human scent. Aloe is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. There is a saying that, if you cannot grow Aloe, get plastic plants!

The common name Aloe Vera includes the species Aloe ferex and Aloe ferox, which are used interchangeably with Aloe Vera. Aloe barbadensis is the same species as Aloe Vera.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.