Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent perennial plant in the genus Aloe and the family Asphodelaceae. Its natural range is in northern Oman, although it is now cultivated in many warm, dry regions around the world. The plant forms a compact rosette of thick, pointed leaves that can reach about 50 centimetres long.

Their fleshy tissues store water, helping the plant survive periods of drought. Mature plants can produce tall, branched flower stalks bearing yellow, tubular flowers. Aloe vera is also known by the scientific synonym Aloe barbadensis, a name still encountered in gardening and commercial products.

The inside of each leaf contains a clear, jelly-like tissue commonly called aloe gel. It is widely used in cosmetics, skin-care products, foods and some traditional remedies. The outer part of the leaf contains a bitter yellow substance known as latex, which is chemically different from the inner gel and contains compounds such as aloin.

These two parts should not be confused. Topical aloe gel is generally well tolerated, although it can occasionally cause skin irritation. Oral aloe latex can cause abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhoea, and some aloe preparations taken by mouth have raised safety concerns. Aloe vera is therefore useful as a plant and a source of natural products, but claims about its health effects should be considered carefully.