Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.
Asphodelaceae
MPID0001
Common Names
crop
tropical
least concern
Native Regions
Summary
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), a drought-resistant succulent with fleshy, triangular leaves, belongs to the Liliaceae family and thrives in frost-free subtropical to arid climates. It grows up to half a meter tall, requires well-drained soil, full sun (or bright indoor light), and produces yellow-orange flowers. Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and bioactive compounds, it offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing benefits.
Description
Aloe vera is a succulent perennial herb, growing up to 160 cm tall, with a short or absent stem (up to 30 cm) that freely suckers to form dense clusters. It has 16–20 fleshy, linear-lanceolate leaves in a rosette, measuring 40–50 cm long and 6–7 cm wide, with grey-green to pale green surfaces, pinkish margins, and firm, pale teeth spaced 1–2 cm apart. The leaf sap is yellowish. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme, 30–40 cm long, on a 60–90 cm tall peduncle, sometimes branched. Flowers are bisexual, tubular, and up to 3 cm long, with yellow, orange, or red lobes. The fruit is a capsule containing dark brown, winged seeds about 7 mm long [PROTA, 2024].
Morphology
30-60 cm
Rosette
Simple
Lanceolate
Serrate
Pinnate
White, Yellow
Summer
Capsule
Fibrous
Rosette
None
Short, thickened stem with clumping habit
Traditional Knowledge
Aloe vera was already used as a drug by the Greeks as early as 400 BC and later by Arabian physicians. It has been used for its medicinal value (and therefore moved by humans) for several thousand years. Its applications have been recorded in ancient cultures of India, Egypt, Greece, Rome and China. The first known written reports on the nourishing juice of the A. vera plant reach as far back as 6000 years ago in ancient Egypt, while its anti-inflammatory and pain soothing effect were documented in the ‘papyrus Eber’ written around 1550 BC.
Medicinal Properties
Parts Used
Preparation Methods
Traditional Uses
- Used in traditional medicine for wound healing and burns.
- Applied topically to soothe sunburns and skin irritation.
- Consumed for digestive health and relief from constipation.
Active Compounds
Therapeutic Actions
Contraindications
- Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential uterine contractions.
- May cause digestive discomfort or diarrhea if consumed in excess.
- People with allergies to plants in the Liliaceae family should avoid it.
- Not suitable for individuals with kidney disease or electrolyte imbalances due to laxative effects.
Sustainability
Harvesting Practices
Leaves are harvested in the morning with a 4-5 hour drainage period. Optimal harvesting occurs at 3-month intervals, selecting mature leaves while preserving young leaves (<25 cm) and growing tips. Maximum leaf fresh weight is achieved after 40 weeks of growth in Aruba. Leaves showing tip necrosis or damage are excluded to prevent bacterial contamination. The selective nature of harvesting limits mechanical automation options (PROTA, 2024).
Post Harvest Processing
Aloe vera gel production begins with leaf washing followed by filleting. The gel-containing portion is isolated by removing leaf tops, tails, sides, and outer tissues using a sharp knife. Rapid processing prevents polysaccharide degradation. An alternative method, used in Aruba, involves longitudinal cutting and gel scraping from the leaf blade.The gel undergoes size reduction, refinement, and filtration. Purification occurs through centrifugal cell wall removal, followed by chemical stabilization. The gel can then be concentrated and dehydrated.'Whole leaf' products incorporate outer tissue extracts after aloin removal using charcoal filtration. Markets in Asia sell dried fillet, while West African and U.S. markets offer fresh whole leaves (PROTA, 2024).
Commercial Availability
Widely availableEnvironmental Impact
A. vera serves dual environmental functions: as an ornamental plant and an indoor air purifier, with notable CO2 absorption continuing during dark periods. Agricultural applications include: 1. Foliar application enhances tomato seedling development, 2. Leaf extracts exhibit bioherbicidal effects against Sonchus oleraceus in faba bean cultivation, 3. Formulated bioinsecticides control Abelmoschus esculentus pests 50:50 aloe-coconut water mixture serves as an organic rooting hormone alternative for grape (Vitis vinifera) and snowbush (Breynia disticha) propagation. Additionally, A. vera leaf waste produces biochar suitable for adsorption, agriculture, and combustion applications (PROTA, 2024; Pérez et al., 2023; El-Rokiek et al., 2024; Obono et al., 2024; Rajan et al., 2023; El-Banna et al., 2023; Koçer et al., 2023).
Uses and Products
Aloe vera offers significant skincare benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and wound-healing properties. It effectively soothes minor burns, sunburns, and abrasions, accelerates wound healing, and reduces scarring. The gel alleviates dryness and itching in conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, while its anti-inflammatory effects help treat inflammatory acne. Aloe vera may also aid in managing cold sores by targeting the herpes virus. However, for chronic or severe skin conditions, consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to ensure safe and effective use.
Research
Clinical Studies
- Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Niruntraporn S, Kongkaew C. The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns. 2007 Sep;33(6):713-8. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2006.10.384. Epub 2007 May 17. PMID: 17499928.
- Panahi et al. (2015). 'Comparing the efficacy of Aloe vera gel and omeprazole for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.' Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(6).
Phytochemical Studies
- Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Niruntraporn S, Kongkaew C. The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns. 2007 Sep;33(6):713-8. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2006.10.384. Epub 2007 May 17. PMID: 17499928.
Pharmacological Actions
- Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Niruntraporn S, Kongkaew C. The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns. 2007 Sep;33(6):713-8. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2006.10.384. Epub 2007 May 17. PMID: 17499928.
Safety Information
Toxicity Level
mildPregnancy Safety
safeSide Effects
- Potential allergic reactions such as skin irritation, itching, or redness in sensitive individuals. (Reider et al., 2020, 'Prevalence of herbal medicine-induced liver injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.' Hepatology, 72(3), 1037-1055.)
-
Gastrointestinal discomfort, including diarrhea and cramping, particularly when consumed in high doses. (Boudreau & Beland, 2006, 'An evaluation of the biological and toxicological properties of Aloe barbadensis (miller), Aloe vera.' Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C, 24(1), 103-15...
Drug Interactions
- May enhance the hypoglycemic effects of diabetes medications, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. (Yagi et al., 2009, 'Effect of Aloe vera gel on blood glucose and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial.' Phytomedicine, 16(9), 861-867.)
- Laxative properties of Aloe vera latex may reduce the absorption of oral medications, affecting their efficacy. (Langmead et al., 2004, 'Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis.' Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 19(7), 739-747.)
Recommended Dosage
- For topical use: Apply Aloe vera gel as needed, but perform a patch test before full application. (Surjushe et al., 2008, 'Aloe vera: A short review.' Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163-166.)
- Aloe vera latex should not be consumed due to its strong laxative effects and potential toxicity. (Ishii et al., 1994, 'Isolation and characterization of active components of Aloe vera.' Journal of Natural Products, 57(5), 690-694.)
External Links
The PLANTS Database provides standardized information about the vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens of the United States and its territories. It includes names, plant symbols, checklists, distributional data, species abstracts, characteristics, images, crop information, automated tools, web links, and references.
This datasheet on Aloe vera covers Identity, Overview, Associated Diseases, Pests or Pathogens, Distribution, Dispersal, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Management, Genetics and Breeding, Food Quality, Economics and Further Information.
References
Aloe vera (true aloe) | CABI Compendium. CABI Compendium. Available: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.4192.
No image available
Cultivation Information
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
Neutral
Sun Exposure
Full Shade
Water Requirements
Low
Nutrition
Fertilization
Use of chemical fertilizers is not common, probably as it would spoil the reputation of this organic health product (PROTA, 2024).
Macronutrients
NitrogenPropagation Methods
Seeds
Though less common, Aloe vera can be grown from seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix and kept moist until germination.
Offsets (Pups)
Aloe vera produces small plantlets called pups around its base. These can be carefully removed and replanted in well-draining soil.
Leaf Cuttings
A leaf cutting can be taken, allowed to dry for a few days, and then planted. However, this method is less successful than using offsets.