Herb : Aloe Vera

(Botanical name: Aloe Vera)

Classification

Kingdom : Plantae
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta
Superdivision : Spermatophyta
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Lilliopsida
Subclass : Rosidae
Order : Asparagales
Family : Asphodelaceae
Genus : Aloe
Species : A. vera

There are 400 species of Aloe like Aloe angelica, Aloe arborescens, Aloe aristata, Aloe barberae, Aloe nobilis, Aloe variegata but Aloe vera which is also known as True Aloe (Vera means true in Latin) is the species which is used widely. It is also known as Barbados Aloe, Common Aloe, Yellow Aloe, Medicinal Aloe.

History

Most botanists agree, and historical evidence suggests, that the Aloe Vera plant originated in the warm, dry climates of Africa. There are over 240 different species of Aloe, growing mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. In the United States, it is grown commercially in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, in California and Florida, and in specially-designed greenhouses in Oklahoma. Although Aloe Vera is a tropical plant, the root can survive freezing air temperatures, so long as the ground is not frozen and the root destroyed.

Plant Description

Aloe Vera is a perennial, drought-resisting, succulent plant belonging to the Lily (Liliaceae) family. It is a stem less or very short-stemmed 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. It flourishes in warm and dry climates, and to many people it looks like a cactus with fleshy thorny leaves. It stays moist where other plants wither and die by closing its pores to prevent moisture loss.

It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Cultivation

Aloe Vera has a long history of cultivation throughout the drier tropical and subtropical regions of thee world, both as an ornamental plant and for herbal medicine.

It requires a well-drained soil and a very sunny position. Plants are tolerant of poor soils. If trying to grow this plant outdoors then it will need the sunniest and warmest area in the garden plus some protection from winter cold. Because Aloe plants consist of 95% water, they are extremely frost tender. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade.

The soil should be moderately fertile and fast draining. Established plants will survive a drought quite well, but for the benefit of the plant, water should be provided. Aloe Vera is a succulent, and as such, stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system. During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal.

Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 16°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of very well-drained soil when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a sunny part of the greenhouse for at least their first two winters.

Parts Used

Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. When you need to use it medicinally, just remove a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open, and apply the gel on the affected area. Its edible parts are leaves and seeds though leaves are very bitter in taste.

Constituents

The gel contains carbohydrate polymers, such as glucomannans or pectic acid, plus various other organic and inorganic compounds. The Aloe latex contains anthroquinones and anthrones. The minerals found in aloe Vera include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. What a powerful storehouse. The gel also includes Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin.

Average Analysis of Aloe Vera Gel Per 8 ounces (240 ml)

Calories	40
Total Fat	0g
Sodium	60mg
Potassium	190mg
Total Carbohydrate	12g
Sugars	0g
Fiber	<1g
Protein	0g
Vitamin A	10IU
Vitamin C	350mg
Calcium	90mg
Iron	<1mg
Vitamin D	<10 IU
Vitamin E	10 IU
Vitamin K	<1mcg
Thiamin	5mcg
Riboflavin	5mcg
Niacin	10mcg
Vitamin B6	22mcg
Folate	23mcg
Vitamin B12	0.05mcg
Biotin	3mcg
Pantothenic acid	5mcg
Phosphorus	3mg
Iodine	<1mcg
Magnesium	7mg
Zinc	144mcg
Selenium	<1mcg
Copper	73mcg
Manganese	76mcg
Chromium	<1mcg
Molybdenum	<1mcg
Chloride	80mg

Medicinal Uses

Aloe Vera is a fairly well known herbal preparation with a long history of use.
It is widely used in modern herbal practice and is often available in proprietary herbal preparations. It has two distinct types of medicinal use.
The clear gel contained within the leaf makes an excellent treatment for wounds, burns and other skin disorders, placing a protective coat over the affected area, speeding up the rate of healing and reducing the risk of infection. This action is in part due to the presence of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system.
The yellow sap at the base of the leaf, which is obtained by cutting the leaves transversally at their base is called bitter aloes and contains anthraquinones which are a useful digestive stimulant and a strong laxative.
The anthroquinones and anthrones in the aloe latex probably produce their laxative effect by increasing colonic peristalsis and increasing the intestinal water content by opening chloride channels of the colonic membrane to cause a net reduction of liquid absorption by the colon.
The anthroquinone glycosides reach the colon mostly undigested, although some are metabolized by enzymes produced by intestinal bacteria. The result includes more frequent stools with softer consistency.
In most of the studies on the laxative effects of aloe, the aloe was not used alone but in combination with other laxatives, such as celandin or psyllium. Aloe's side effects can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances, especially at higher doses.
Some Aloe species have also been used for human consumption. For example, drinks made from or containing chunks of aloe pulp are popular in Asia as commercial beverages and as a tea additive; this is notably true in Korea.
Aloe Vera gel is also very helpful in dental hygiene, immunity system; it enhances fibroblast function, produce and maintains healthy skin.
It is also very helpful in maintaining your health by replishing the essential Amino acids. Some amino acids which are essential and cannot be made by the body are found within the aloe plant.