Aloe is a succulent plant widely used in alternative medicine. There are at least 420 different plant species of Aloe. Aloe vera specifically refers to the Aloe barbadensis Miller plant, which is the most common form used in Aloe-based products.
How is Aloe used?
Traditionally, the clear gel from the Aloe plant is rubbed on the skin as an ointment to treat wounds and burns. The green part of the leaf can be made into a juice or dried and taken orally as a laxative. Aloe vera is used in many commercial products in various forms, including drinks, concentrates, capsules, powders, and as a flavoring.
What if I use Aloe vera gel on my skin, will it cause me harm?
Applying Aloe vera gel on the skin is not likely to cause harm. Although these particular NTP studies only looked at oral exposure to Aloe vera, other NTP studies examined the effects of the gel on the skin and did not find a strong link between Aloe vera in skin care products, sunlight, and the development of skin cancer.
Why would people consume drinks that have Aloe in them?
Product advertisements claim the drinks can be used to cleanse the digestive system or relieve constipation.
What makes Aloe act like a laxative?
The outer pulp of Aloe leaves, known as the latex, contains anthraquinones. Aloin is an anthraquinone found in the latex that may give the plant its laxative qualities.
