Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis
Mill., A. vulgaris Lam.) is a species of Aloe, native to northern Africa. It is a stemless or very 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.
Cultivation
Aloe
vera is relatively easy to care for in cultivation in frost-free climates. The species requires well-drained sandy potting
soil in moderate light.
If planted in pot or other containers ensure sufficient drainage with drainage holes.The
use of a good quality commercial potting mix to which extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand are added is recommended.
Alternatively, pre-packaged 'cacti and succulent mixes' may also be used.
Potted plants should be
allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. During winter, A. 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.
A. vera has a long history of cultivation throughout the drier tropical and subtropical regions of the world,
both as an ornamental plant and for herbal medicine. For its herbal and medicinal uses, many of which are shared with related
species, see Aloe.
Medicinal uses
A. vera has been
used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera
eases pain and reduces inflammation. Evidence on the effects of A. vera sap on wound healing, however, is contradictory
(Vogler and Ernst, 1999).
A study performed in the 1990s showed that the healing time of a moderate to severe
burn was reduced when the wound was treated on a regular basis with Aloe vera gel, compared to the healing of the
wound covered in a gauze bandage (Farrar, 2005).
In contrast, another study suggested wounds to which Aloe
vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal (Schmidt and Greenspoon, 1991).
A. vera's
beneficial properties may be attributed to mucopolysaccharides present in the inner gel of the leaf, especially acemannan
(acetylated mannans). An injectable form of acemannan manufactured and marketed by Carrington Laboratories as Acemannan Immunostimulant™
has been approved in the USA for treatment of fibrosarcoma (a type of cancer) in dogs and cats after clinical trials.
It has not been approved for use by humans, and, although it is not a drug, its sale is controlled and it can
only be obtained through a veterinary doctor.
Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives from A.
vera to products such as makeup, moisturisers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions, though the effectiveness of Aloe
vera in these products remain unknown.
A. vera gel is also alleged to be useful for dry skin
conditions, especially eczema around the eyes and sensitive facial skin.
An article published in the British
Journal of General Practice suggests that A. vera is effective at treating athlete's foot.
Whether or not it promotes wound healing is unknown, and even though there are some promising results, clinical effectiveness
of oral or topical A. vera remains unclear at present.
Aloe vera juice may help some people with
ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
Parts
that can be used
The lower leaf of the plant is used for medicinal purpose. If the lower leaf is sliced
open, the gel obtained can be applied on the affected area of the skin. Leaves and seeds are the two edible parts of Aloe
Vera.
