Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant from the genus Aloe. It grows in many parts of the world and is sometimes considered an invasive species in some areas. This plant is an evergreen perennial that originally comes from the Arabian Peninsula but can now be found in tropical, semi-tropical, and dry places everywhere.

People often grow Aloe vera as a decorative potted plant indoors because it looks nice. The leaves of this plant hold a special gel called acemannan, a type of polysaccharide, which is great for putting on the skin. This gel is used in skin lotions, cosmetics, and ointments that help with small burns, skin abrasions, insect bites, and windburn.

However, Aloe vera also contains a toxic compound called aloin. If someone eats too much aloe vera extracts, it can cause stomach pain and, over time, may lead to hepatitis. It is also not safe to use during pregnancy, and some people can have allergic reactions when the gel touches their skin.

Etymology

The name Aloe comes from an Arabic word that means "bitter and shiny substance" or from a Hebrew word. The word vera means "true" in Latin.

Common names for this plant often include the region where it is found, such as Chinese aloe, Cape aloe, or Barbados aloe.

The plant has several other names it has been called throughout history. It was first described a long time ago by a scientist named Carl Linnaeus. Research using DNA shows that Aloe vera is closely related to several other aloe plants found in places like Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan. Some think Aloe vera may have come from a mix of different aloe plants.

Description

Aloe vera is a short plant that can grow up to about 60 to 100 centimetres tall (24 to 39 inches). It spreads by growing new plants close to the original one.

The leaves of Aloe vera are thick and meaty, usually green or grey-green. Some types have white spots on their stems. The edges of the leaves have small white teeth.

In summer, Aloe vera produces flowers on a tall stem. Each flower hangs down and has a yellow tube-shaped part that is about 2 to 3 centimetres long (about 3⁄4 to 1+1⁄4 inches).

Like other Aloe plants, Aloe vera has roots that work together with tiny fungi in the soil. This helps the plant get more nutrients.

Distribution

Aloe vera is originally from the south-east part of the Arabian Peninsula, in the Hajar Mountains in north-eastern Oman and eastern U.A.E.. However, it has been grown in many places around the world. Now, it can be found in natural settings in North Africa, Sudan and nearby countries, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands. It also grows wild in parts of Portugal, especially in the Algarve region, and in areas of Spain, like the region of Murcia.

People brought Aloe vera to China and parts of southern Europe in the 1600s. Today, it grows in dry, warm, and tropical areas across many continents, often because it has been planted there.

Cultivation

Aloe vera is often grown by gardeners for its pretty flowers and interesting shape. It is a special kind of plant that can survive in places where it doesn't rain much, making it great for gardens that don't use a lot of water. It grows best in warm places and doesn't like heavy frost or snow. While it is usually tough against bugs, sometimes tiny pests like spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphids can bother it.

When growing Aloe vera in pots, it needs soil that drains well and lots of sunshine. The plant can turn red if it gets too much direct sun, but slowly getting used to the sun can help. Using special potting mixes made for cacti and succulents is a good idea because they let water drain away. Terra cotta pots work well because they let air through. It's important to let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In winter, Aloe vera may rest and need less water. In cold places, it is best kept inside or in a warm greenhouse.

Uses

Two substances from Aloe vera – a clear gel and a yellow latex – are used to make commercial products. The aloe gel is often used in skin treatments for things like burns, wounds, and dry skin. The aloe latex can be taken to help with constipation.

Aloe vera is used in foods like yogurts and drinks, but eating too much aloe latex can be harmful. Small amounts of aloe gel on the skin are usually safe.

Aloe vera can be made into lotions, soaps, or cosmetics, but it can cause skin reactions in some people. It was once used in laxative products, but this stopped in 2002 because not enough safety information was available.

People have used Aloe vera for skin treatments for thousands of years, with early records dating back to around 4000 BCE. It is also added to many cosmetic products like makeup and shampoos because it helps keep skin soft.

Toxicity

When people drink aloe vera leaf extract, it can be harmful. This type of aloe vera is listed by California as something that might cause health problems, including issues with having babies. Since 2016, an international group has said that drinking aloe vera might be linked to a higher chance of getting certain diseases.

Putting aloe vera on the skin is usually safe. However, drinking it can be dangerous and might lead to stomach pain and loose stools. This can also make it harder for the body to take in medicines properly.

Interactions with prescribed drugs

Drinking aloe vera can also interfere with medicines that people take for things like blood clots, diabetes, heart problems, and medicines that change the level of a important mineral in the body, as well as medicines that help the body get rid of extra fluid.