Aloe vera - Revision history

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2011-06-07T17:32:09Z

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	File:Echte_Aloe_von_oben.JPG\|Another ''Aloe vera'' plant		File:Echte_Aloe_von_oben.JPG\|Another ''Aloe vera'' plant
	Image:Aloe vera.jpg\|Flowers		Image:Aloe vera.jpg\|Flowers
			Image:Aloe Vera Plant Flower 2.jpg\|Flowers
			Image:Aloe vera Plant Flower 2.jpg\|Flowers
	Image:Aloe vera leaf.jpg\|Leaf close up		Image:Aloe vera leaf.jpg\|Leaf close up
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Murali.lalitha at 02:41, 31 December 2010

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	\|common_name=Aloe vera		\|common_name=Aloe vera
	\|habit=cacti-succulent		\|habit=cacti-succulent
	\|Max ht box=60		\|habit_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
			\|Max ht box=80
	\|Max ht metric=cm		\|Max ht metric=cm
	\|Max wd box=~~100~~		\|height_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
			\|Min wd box=60
			\|Min wd metric=cm
			\|Max wd box=120
	\|Max wd metric=cm		\|Max wd metric=cm
			\|width_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
	\|lifespan=perennial		\|lifespan=perennial
	\|exposure=sun		\|life_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
			\|exposure=sun, part-sun
			\|sun_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
	\|water=moderate, dry		\|water=moderate, dry
	\|features=flowers, edible, drought tolerant		\|features=flowers, edible, drought tolerant
	\|flowers=yellow		\|flower_season=early summer, mid summer, late summer
			\|flower_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
			\|flowers=orange, yellow
	\|Temp Metric=°F		\|Temp Metric=°F
			\|min_zone=9
			\|usda_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia
			\|max_zone=12
	\|image=Aloe vera flower inset.png		\|image=Aloe vera flower inset.png
	\|image_width=240		\|image_width=240
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	'''''Aloe vera''''', also known as the '''medicinal aloe''', is a species of [[succulent plant]] that probably originated in Northern [[Africa]], the [[Canary islands]] and [[Cape Verde]]. ''Aloe vera'' grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa and other arid areas. The species is frequently cited as being used in [[herbal medicine]].		'''''Aloe vera''''', also known as the '''medicinal aloe''', is a species of [[succulent plant]] that probably originated in Northern [[Africa]], the [[Canary islands]] and [[Cape Verde]]. ''Aloe vera'' grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa and other arid areas. The species is frequently cited as being used in [[herbal medicine]].

	''Aloe vera'' is a stemless or very short-stemmed [[succulent]] plant growing to ~~60–100 cm~~ (~~24–39 in~~) tall, spreading by [[offsets]]. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces.<ref name=~~"~~Yates~~"~~>Yates A. (2002) ''Yates Garden Guide''. Harper Collins Australia</ref> The margin of the leaf is [[Serrate (botany)\|serrated]] and has small white teeth. The [[flower]]s are produced in summer on a spike up to {{convert\|90\|cm\|in\|abbr=on}} tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular [[Corolla (flower)\|corolla]] ~~2–3 cm~~ (0.8–1.~~2 in~~) long.<ref name=~~"~~Yates~~"~~/><ref name=~~"~~BPGE~~"~~>Random House Australia ''Botanica's Pocket Gardening Encyclopedia for Australian Gardeners'' Random House Publishers, Australia</ref> Like other ''Aloe'' species, ''Aloe vera'' forms [[arbuscular mycorrhiza]], a [[symbiosis]] that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.<ref>{{cite journal \|author=Gong M, Wang F, Chen Y \|title=[Study on application of arbuscular-mycorrhizas in growing seedings of Aloe vera] \|language=Chinese \|journal=Zhong yao cai ~~=~~ Zhongyaocai ~~=~~ Journal of Chinese medicinal materials \|volume=25 \|issue=1 \|pages=1–3 \|year=2002 \|month=January \|pmid=12583231 \|doi= \|url=}}</ref>		''Aloe vera'' is a stemless or very short-stemmed [[succulent]] plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by [[offsets]]. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces.<ref name="Yates">Yates A. (2002) ''Yates Garden Guide''. Harper Collins Australia</ref> The margin of the leaf is [[Serrate (botany)\|serrated]] and has small white teeth. The [[flower]]s are produced in summer on a spike up to {{convert\|90\|cm\|in\|abbr=on}} tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular [[Corolla (flower)\|corolla]] 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.<ref name="Yates"/><ref name="BPGE">Random House Australia ''Botanica's Pocket Gardening Encyclopedia for Australian Gardeners'' Random House Publishers, Australia</ref> Like other ''Aloe'' species, ''Aloe vera'' forms [[arbuscular mycorrhiza]], a [[symbiosis]] that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.<ref>{{cite journal \|author=Gong M, Wang F, Chen Y \|title=[Study on application of arbuscular-mycorrhizas in growing seedings of Aloe vera] \|language=Chinese \|journal=Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials \|volume=25 \|issue=1 \|pages=1–3 \|year=2002 \|month=January \|pmid=12583231 \|doi= \|url=}}</ref>

	{{Inc\|		{{Inc\|
	''[[Aloe]] vera'', Linn. (''A. perfoliala vera'', Linn. ''A. elongata'', Murr. ''A. barbadensis'', Mill. ''A. vulgaris''. Lam. ''A. flava'', Pers.). Cespitose, the sts. at length 1-1.5 ft. high: lvs. suberect or spreading, gradually narrowed from the base, pale, 2-3 x 12-20 in., irregularly white-blotched and narrow when young and 2-ranked on offsets, the repand margin with weak pale prickles: infl. 2-3 ft. high, often simple; fls. 1 in. long, yellow, the segms. about equaling the oblong tube. Medit. region and intro. generally through the tropics. —The source of ~~"~~Barbados aloes.~~"~~ Varies in a large Arabian form with broader lvs., taller infl., and fls. shading into orange, var. '''officinalis''', Baker (''A. officinalis'', Forsk., ''A. rubescens'', DC.); a smaller Asiatic form with red-tinged fls., var. '''chinensis''' (''A. indica'', Royle. ''A. chinensis'', Baker); and a hardier garden form of this, var. '''Lanzae''', Berger (''A. Lanzae'', Tod.).		''[[Aloe]] vera'', Linn. (''A. perfoliala vera'', Linn. ''A. elongata'', Murr. ''A. barbadensis'', Mill. ''A. vulgaris''. Lam. ''A. flava'', Pers.). Cespitose, the sts. at length 1-1.5 ft. high: lvs. suberect or spreading, gradually narrowed from the base, pale, 2-3 x 12-20 in., irregularly white-blotched and narrow when young and 2-ranked on offsets, the repand margin with weak pale prickles: infl. 2-3 ft. high, often simple; fls. 1 in. long, yellow, the segms. about equaling the oblong tube. Medit. region and intro. generally through the tropics. —The source of "Barbados aloes." Varies in a large Arabian form with broader lvs., taller infl., and fls. shading into orange, var. '''officinalis''', Baker (''A. officinalis'', Forsk., ''A. rubescens'', DC.); a smaller Asiatic form with red-tinged fls., var. '''chinensis''' (''A. indica'', Royle. ''A. chinensis'', Baker); and a hardier garden form of this, var. '''Lanzae''', Berger (''A. Lanzae'', Tod.).
	{{SCH}}		{{SCH}}
	}}		}}
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	==Cultivation==		==Cultivation==
	[[Image:Aloe vera A.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|''Aloe vera'' can be grown as an ornamental plant.]]		[[Image:Aloe vera A.jpg\|right\|thumb\|200px\|''Aloe vera'' can be grown as an ornamental plant.]]
	''Aloe vera'' has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively [[medicinal plant]] and due to its interesting flowers, form and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low-water use gardens.<ref name=~~"~~Yates~~"~~/> The species is hardy in [[Hardiness zone\|zones]] 8–11, although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or snow.<ref name=~~"~~BPGE~~"~~/><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/7686.shtml\|title=BBC Gardening, ''Aloe vera''\|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation\|accessdate=2008-07-11}}</ref>		''Aloe vera'' has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively [[medicinal plant]] and due to its interesting flowers, form and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low-water use gardens.<ref name="Yates"/> The species is hardy in [[Hardiness zone\|zones]] 8–11, although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or snow.<ref name="BPGE"/><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/7686.shtml\|title=BBC Gardening, ''Aloe vera''\|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation\|accessdate=2008-07-11}}</ref>

	In pots, the species requires well-drained sandy potting soil and bright sunny conditions. The use of a good quality commercial propagation mix or pre-packaged ~~"~~cacti and succulent mix~~"~~ is recommended as they allow good drainage.<ref name=~~"~~GA~~"~~>{{cite web\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s2280641.htm\|title=Fact Sheet: ''Aloes''\|author=Coleby-Williams, J\|publisher=Gardening Australia, Australian Broadcasting Corporation\|accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> [[Terracotta]] pots are preferable as they are porous.<ref name=~~"~~GA~~"~~/> Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. During winter, ''A. vera'' may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.<ref name=~~"~~BPGE~~"~~/>		In pots, the species requires well-drained sandy potting soil and bright sunny conditions. The use of a good quality commercial propagation mix or pre-packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended as they allow good drainage.<ref name="GA">{{cite web\|url=http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s2280641.htm\|title=Fact Sheet: ''Aloes''\|author=Coleby-Williams, J\|publisher=Gardening Australia, Australian Broadcasting Corporation\|accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> [[Terracotta]] pots are preferable as they are porous.<ref name="GA"/> Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. During winter, ''A. vera'' may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.<ref name="BPGE"/>

	===Propagation===		===Propagation===

WikiWorks at 19:17, 12 January 2010

2010-01-12T19:17:41Z

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Murali.lalitha at 10:07, 12 January 2010

2010-01-12T10:07:44Z

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	{{SPlantbox		{{SPlantbox
	\|genus=Aloe		\|genus=Aloe
	\|species=vera		\|species=vera
	\|Temp Metric=°F		\|Temp Metric=°F
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	\|image_width=240		\|image_width=240
	}}		}}
			{{Inc\|
			Aloe vera, Linn. (A. perfoliata vera, Linn. A. elongata, Murr. A. barbadensis, Mill. A. vulgaris. Lam. A. flava, Pers.). Cespitose, the sts. at length 1-1 % ft. high: lvs. suberect or spreading, gradually narrowed from the base, pale, 2-3 x 12-20 in., irregularly white- blotched and narrow when young and 2-ranked on offsets, the repand margin with weak pale prickles: infl. 2-3 ft. high, often simple; fls. 1 in. long, yellow, the segms. about equaling the oblong tube. Medit. region and intro. generally through the tropics. Fiori & Paoletti, Fl. Ital. 1, p. 206. Sibthorpe, Fl. Graeca, 341. Salm, Aloe §18. f. 2. Stephenson & Churchill, Med. Bot., 109. Bentley & Trimen, Med. PI. 282. Berger 84. —The source of "Barbados aloes." Varies in a large Arabian form with broader lvs., taller infl., and fls. shading into orange, var. officinalis, Baker (A. officinalis, Forsk., A. rubescens, DC.), DC., PL Gr. 15; a smaller Asiatic form with red-tinged fls., var. chinensis (A. Indica, Royle. A. chinensis, Baker), B.M. 6301; and a hardier garden form of this, var. Lanzae, Berger (A. Lanzae, Tod.), Tod., Hort. Pan. 39. Berger 84.
			}}

	{{Inc\|		{{Inc\|
	Aloe humilis, Haw. (A. perfoliata humilis, Linn.). Lvs. suberect, rather incurved, triangular-lanceolate, ¾ x 4 in., gradually acute, somewhat striate, sharply white- tuberculate, at least on the back, and with rather close large white marginal teeth: infl. 1½-2 ft. high: fls. 1½ in. long, red or yellowish, the green-tipped segm. distinct nearly to the base. Cape. Sahn, Aloe §15, f. 1.—With somewhat the habit of Haworthia. Varies from the narrow green-lvd. type into glaucous forms of this, with rather thicker lvs., var. incurva, Haw. (A. incurva, Haw.), B.M. 828, Salm, Aloe §15, f. 3, and rather thin, more concave lvs., var. echinäta, Baker (A. echinata, Willd.), Salm. Aloe §15, f. 2., Berger 64, 65, and one with purplish lvs., var. macilenta, Baker; as well as a broader-lvd. glaucous large form, var. suberecta, Baker (A. suberecta, Haw. A. acuminata major, Salm-Dyck), which is sometimes white-mottled, var. semiguttata, Haw.; a moderately large broad-lvd. form, var. acuminate, Baker (A. acuminata, Haw., A. suberecta. Haw.), B.M. 757; and a small blue- glaucous form with closer prickles and smaller warts, var. subtuberculata, Baker (A. subtuberculata, Haw.). Hybrids are: A. x insignis, Brown (A. humilis x A. drepanophylla), A. x spinosissima, Hort. (A. humilis echinata X A. arborescens pachythyrsa), A. x cyanea, Hort. (A. humilis incurva x A. arborescens frutescens), A. x Todari, Borzi, (A. Todari praecox, Borzi,) A. x Grusonii, Henze, Monatschr. Kakteenk. 11, p. 57. (A. humilis x A. Schimperi), A. x Henzei, Hort. (A. Grusonii x A. variegata), and perhaps A. x laetecoccinea.		Aloe humilis, Haw. (A. perfoliata humilis, Linn.). Lvs. suberect, rather incurved, triangular-lanceolate, ¾ x 4 in., gradually acute, somewhat striate, sharply white- tuberculate, at least on the back, and with rather close large white marginal teeth: infl. 1½-2 ft. high: fls. 1½ in. long, red or yellowish, the green-tipped segm. distinct nearly to the base. Cape. Sahn, Aloe §15, f. 1.—With somewhat the habit of Haworthia. Varies from the narrow green-lvd. type into glaucous forms of this, with rather thicker lvs., var. incurva, Haw. (A. incurva, Haw.), B.M. 828, Salm, Aloe §15, f. 3, and rather thin, more concave lvs., var. echinäta, Baker (A. echinata, Willd.), Salm. Aloe §15, f. 2., Berger 64, 65, and one with purplish lvs., var. macilenta, Baker; as well as a broader-lvd. glaucous large form, var. suberecta, Baker (A. suberecta, Haw. A. acuminata major, Salm-Dyck), which is sometimes white-mottled, var. semiguttata, Haw.; a moderately large broad-lvd. form, var. acuminate, Baker (A. acuminata, Haw., A. suberecta. Haw.), B.M. 757; and a small blue- glaucous form with closer prickles and smaller warts, var. subtuberculata, Baker (A. subtuberculata, Haw.). Hybrids are: A. x insignis, Brown (A. humilis x A. drepanophylla), A. x spinosissima, Hort. (A. humilis echinata X A. arborescens pachythyrsa), A. x cyanea, Hort. (A. humilis incurva x A. arborescens frutescens), A. x Todari, Borzi, (A. Todari praecox, Borzi,) A. x Grusonii, Henze, Monatschr. Kakteenk. 11, p. 57. (A. humilis x A. Schimperi), A. x Henzei, Hort. (A. Grusonii x A. variegata), and perhaps A. x laetecoccinea.

Murali.lalitha at 09:53, 12 January 2010

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 __NOTOC__{{Plantbox
 | latin_name = ''Aloe vera''
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 }}
 {{Inc|
-''[[Aloe]] vera'', Linn. (''A. perfoliala vera'', Linn. ''A. elongata'', Murr. ''A. barbadensis'', Mill. ''A. vulgaris''. Lam. ''A. flava'', Pers.). Cespitose, the sts. at length 1-1.5 ft. high: lvs. suberect or spreading, gradually narrowed from the base, pale, 2-3 x 12-20 in., irregularly white-blotched and narrow when young and 2-ranked on offsets, the repand margin with weak pale prickles: infl. 2-3 ft. high, often simple; fls. 1 in. long, yellow, the segms. about equaling the oblong tube. Medit. region and intro. generally through the tropics. —The source of "Barbados aloes." Varies in a large Arabian form with broader lvs., taller infl., and fls. shading into orange, var. '''officinalis''', Baker (''A. officinalis'', Forsk., ''A. rubescens'', DC.); a smaller Asiatic form with red-tinged fls., var. '''chinensis''' (''A. indica'', Royle. ''A. chinensis'', Baker); and a hardier garden form of this, var. '''Lanzae''', Berger (''A. Lanzae'', Tod.).
+''[[Aloe]] vera'', Linn. (''A. perfoliala vera'', Linn. ''A. elongata'', Murr. ''A. barbadensis'', Mill. ''A. vulgaris''. Lam. ''A. flava'', Pers.). Cespitose, the sts. at length 1-1.5 ft. high: lvs. suberect or spreading, gradually narrowed from the base, pale, 2-3 x 12-20 in., irregularly white-blotched and narrow when young and 2-ranked on offsets, the repand margin with weak pale prickles: infl. 2-3 ft. high, often simple; fls. 1 in. long, yellow, the segms. about equaling the oblong tube. Medit. region and intro. generally through the tropics. —The source of &quot;Barbados aloes.&quot; Varies in a large Arabian form with broader lvs., taller infl., and fls. shading into orange, var. '''officinalis''', Baker (''A. officinalis'', Forsk., ''A. rubescens'', DC.); a smaller Asiatic form with red-tinged fls., var. '''chinensis''' (''A. indica'', Royle. ''A. chinensis'', Baker); and a hardier garden form of this, var. '''Lanzae''', Berger (''A. Lanzae'', Tod.).
 {{SCH}}
 }}

WikiWorks at 18:19, 24 September 2009

2009-09-24T18:19:53Z

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MediaWiki default at 13:37, 5 August 2007

2007-08-05T13:37:44Z

New page

{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Aloe vera''
| image = Aloe vera 2web.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Asparagales]]
| familia = [[Asphodelaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Aloe]]''
| species = '''''A. vera'''''
| binomial = ''Aloe vera''
| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Nicolaas Laurens Burman|Burm.f.]]
}}

'''''Aloe vera''''' ([[synonymy|syn.]] ''A. barbadensis'' Mill., ''A. vulgaris'' Lam.) is a species of ''[[Aloe]]'', native to northern [[Africa]]. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed [[succulent]] plant growing to 80-100 cm tall, spreading by [[offsets]] and root sprouts. The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[lanceolate]], thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a [[serration|serrated]] [[margin]]. The [[flower]]s are produced on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular [[corolla]] 2-3 cm long.

[[Image:Aloe vera.jpg|left|thumb|Flowers]]
==Cultivation==
Aloe vera is relatively easy to care for in cultivation in frost-free climates. The species requires well-drained sandy potting soil in moderate light. If planted in pot or other containers ensure sufficient drainage with drainage holes.The use of a good quality commercial potting mix to which extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand are added is recommended. Alternatively, pre-packaged 'cacti and succulent mixes' may also be used. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. During winter, ''A. vera'' may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.

''A. vera'' has a long history of cultivation throughout the drier [[tropics|tropical]] and [[subtropics|subtropical]] regions of the world, both as an [[ornamental plant]] and for [[herbalism|herbal medicine]]. For its herbal and medicinal uses, many of which are shared with related species, see [[Aloe]].  <br clear = left>

===Food preservative===
Researchers at the [[University of Miguel Hernández]] in [[Alicante]], [[Spain]], have developed a [[gel]] based on ''A. vera'' that prolongs the conservation of fresh produce, such as fresh fruit and [[legume]]s. This gel is tasteless, colorless and odorless. This natural product is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives such as [[sulfur dioxide]]. The study showed that [[grape]]s at 1°C coated with this gel could be preserved for 35 days against 7 days for untreated grapes. According to the researchers, this gel operates through a combination of mechanics (Serrano et al., 2006), forming a protective layer against the [[oxygen]] and moisture of the air and inhibiting, through its various [[antibiotic]] and [[antifungal drug|antifungal]] compounds, the action of micro-organisms that cause foodborne illnesses.

===Medicinal uses===
''A. vera'' has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and [[eczema]]. It is alleged that sap from ''Aloe vera'' eases pain and reduces [[inflammation]]. Evidence on the effects of ''A. vera'' sap on wound healing, however, is contradictory (Vogler and Ernst, 1999). A study performed in the 1990s showed that the healing time of a moderate to severe burn was reduced when the wound was treated on a regular basis with ''Aloe vera'' gel, compared to the healing of the wound covered in a gauze bandage (Farrar, 2005). In contrast, another study suggested wounds to which ''Aloe vera'' gel was applied were significantly slower to heal (Schmidt and Greenspoon, 1991).

''A. vera'''s beneficial properties may be attributed to [[glycosaminoglycan|mucopolysaccharides]] present in the inner gel of the leaf, especially [[acemannan]] (acetylated mannans). An injectable form of acemannan manufactured and marketed by Carrington Laboratories as Acemannan Immunostimulant™ has been approved in the USA for treatment of [[fibrosarcoma]] (a type of [[cancer]]) in dogs and cats after clinical trials. It has not been approved for use by humans, and although it is not a drug its sale is controlled and it can only be obtained through a veterinary doctor.

Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives from ''A. vera'' to products such as makeup, moisturisers, [[soap]]s, [[sunscreen]]s, [[shampoo]]s and [[lotion]]s, though the effectiveness of ''Aloe vera'' in these products remain unknown. ''A. vera'' gel is also alleged to be useful for dry skin conditions, especially eczema around the eyes and sensitive facial skin.

An article published in the ''British Journal of General Practice'' suggests that ''A. vera'' is effective at treating [[athlete's foot]] {{Fact|date=February 2007}}. The [[topical]] application of ''A. vera'' is not an effective preventative for radiation-induced injuries.

Whether or not it promotes wound healing is unknown, and even though there are some promising results, clinical effectiveness of oral or topical ''A. vera'' remains unclear at present.

[[Aloe vera juice]] may help some people with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.

Greenleaf Aloe Vera Gel, manufactured by Brihans in India, cites their product as useful in the treatment of acne and undereye circles.

[[Image:Aloe vera leaf.jpg|thumb|Leaf close up]]

==Parts that can be used==
The lower leaf of the plant is used for medicinal purpose. If the lower leaf is sliced open, the gel obtained can be applied on the affected area. Leaves and seeds are the two edible parts of Aloe Vera.

===Use in foods===
In Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available [[yogurt]].
There are also several Korean companies which produce Aloe Vera beverages.

In Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a [[carminative]] and digestive aid. The dried gel is mixed with seeds of various herbs and consumed after a meal.

Tribes in the [[Hazara (Pakistan)|Hazara]] region of the [[North West Frontier Province]] have been using Aloe Vera for centuries to improve physical endurance, probably due to the high nutrient content of the gel.

People in Rajastahn state of India prepare vegetable out of Aloe Vera along with fenugreek seeds.

People in Tamil nadu, another state of India prepare a curry using Aloe Vera which is taken along with Indian bread or Rice.

In Mexico some people make [[smoothies]] out of Aloe Vera.

==References==
{{commons|Aloe vera}}
*[http://www.jaaha.org/cgi/content/abstract/31/5/439 The effect of Acemannan Immunostimulant in combination with surgery and radiation therapy on spontaneous canine and feline fibrosarcomas]
*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=92000401&dopt=Abstract Decreased mortality of Norman murine sarcoma in mice treated with the immunomodulator, Acemannan.]
*[http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/53/3/415 Induction of Apoptosis in a Macrophage Cell Line RAW 264.7 By Acemannan, a -(1,4)-Acetylated Mannan ]
*Serrano M, Valverde JM, Guillen F, Castillo S, Martinez-Romero D, Valero D. (2006). Use of Aloe vera gel coating preserves the functional properties of table grapes. ''J Agric Food Chem'' 54 (11): 3882-3886. see [http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=30968 also].
*[http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aloe+vera Plants for a Future: ''Aloe vera'']
*[http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Aloe&SPECIES_XREF=vera&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK= Flora Europaea: ''Aloe vera''] (lists only as an introduced plant, contrary to statements of European origin in some other sources)
*[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027555 Flora of China: ''Aloe vera'']



[[Category:Aloe]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Flora of Africa]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 7 June 2011
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	File:Echte_Aloe_von_oben.JPG\|Another ''Aloe vera'' plant		File:Echte_Aloe_von_oben.JPG\|Another ''Aloe vera'' plant
	Image:Aloe vera.jpg\|Flowers		Image:Aloe vera.jpg\|Flowers
			Image:Aloe Vera Plant Flower 2.jpg\|Flowers
			Image:Aloe vera Plant Flower 2.jpg\|Flowers
	Image:Aloe vera leaf.jpg\|Leaf close up		Image:Aloe vera leaf.jpg\|Leaf close up
	</gallery>		</gallery>