Aloë

Aloë is a genus of succulent plants in the family Asphodelaceae, comprising around 500 species. They are native to Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and surrounding regions, but many species are cultivated worldwide for ornamental, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. The best known species is Aloe vera, widely used for its gel.

Most aloë species have thick, fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes. Leaves are often green to gray-green and may display red or purple tinges in sun exposure. The leaf margins are usually toothed. In bloom, many species produce tall stalks bearing tubular flowers that attract pollinators.

Aloës are drought-tolerant plants that grow in a range of arid to semi-arid habitats. They are widely cultivated as ornamental plants in warm climates and as potted specimens in temperate regions. Aloe vera is the most common species used commercially, particularly for gel extraction.

Two different plant materials are derived from aloës. The gel, found in the inner leaf parenchyma, is widely used topically in skincare and wound care, and is a common ingredient in cosmetics. The yellowish latex from the leaf rind contains anthraquinones, notably aloin, which has historically been used as a laxative. In modern products, latex is used less frequently due to safety concerns and regulatory restrictions.

Chemically, aloe gel contains polysaccharides such as acemannan, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and water. Aloe latex contains biologically active compounds that can cause strong GI effects. Products labeled as aloe often specify Aloe vera gel as the primary ingredient, while other Aloe species are used in some traditional medicines.

Safety and regulation emphasize external use as generally safer than internal ingestion. Allergic reactions and dermatitis can occur in sensitive individuals; oral ingestion of latex can cause cramps and diarrhea and may interact with medications. Always use reputable, properly processed products.