Aloe vera

Aloe vera
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(CC BY-SA 3.0)

        Aloe vera is a succulent and evergreen perennial plant species, cultivated widely for agricultural and medicinal uses. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word "Alloeh" meaning "Shining bitter substance", while the name "vera" in Latin means "true".

Synonyms : Aloe indica, Aloe barbadensis.

Scientific Classification

        Kingdom           : Plantae
        Order                 : Asparagales
        Family               : Asphodelaceae
        Genus                : Aloe
        Species              : vera
        Binomial name : Aloe vera L.

Geographical occurrence:
        It grows mainly in the dry regions of Asia, Africa, America and Europe.

Plant morphology:

       Aloe vera is a stemless plant growing up to 60-100 cm. The leaves are thick, fleshy and contain spines at the margins (serrated edges). The yellow tubular flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm tall. 

Chemical constituents:

       Aloe vera contains potentially active constituents such as lignin, saponins, aminoacids, enzymes (amylase, aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase and peroxidase), salicyclic acids, vitamins (beta-carotene, vitamin C and E) and sugars. Aloin is a compound found in the exudate of Aloe.

Uses:

• Aloe is used as purgative.
• It is one of the ingredients of skin lotions, cosmetics and ointments. The ointment of aloe-gel is used to cure burns caused by heat, sun or radiation and skin irritations.
• It is also used as an ornamental plant.