Aloe vera
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Aloe vera (Template:IPAc-en)<ref>Template:Cite Dictionary.com</ref> is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe.<ref name="cabi">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is widely distributed, and is considered an invasive species in many world regions.<ref name=cabi/><ref name=drugs/>
An evergreen perennial, it originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but also grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world.<ref name=cabi/> It is cultivated for commercial products, mainly as a topical treatment used over centuries.<ref name=cabi/><ref name=drugs/> The species is considered attractive for decorative purposes, and is often used indoors as a potted plant.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The leaves of Aloe vera contain significant amounts of the polysaccharide gel acemannan, which can be used for topical purposes.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The leaves also contain aloin, which is a toxic compound. Aloe vera products are typically made from the gel.
Aloe vera acemannan may be used in skin lotions, cosmetics, ointments and gels for minor burns, skin abrasions, insect bites, and windburn.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Oral ingestion of aloe vera extracts may cause acute abdominal pain and cramps, and hepatitis if consumed chronically.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=nih/> It should not be used during pregnancy. Some people have allergic reactions to aloe when used on skin.<ref name="drugs">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="nih">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
EtymologyEdit
The genus name Aloe is derived from the Arabic word alloeh, meaning "bitter and shiny substance" or from Hebrew {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} ahalim, plural of {{#invoke:Lang|lang}} ahal.<ref name="oed">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="guo">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The specific epithet vera comes from verus meaning "true" in Latin.<ref name=guo/><ref>Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref>
Common namesEdit
Common names use aloe with a region of its distribution, such as Chinese aloe, Cape aloe or Barbados aloe.<ref name=drugs/><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Expert Panel" />
TaxonomyEdit
The species has several synonyms: Aloe barbadensis Mill., Aloe indica Royle, Aloe perfoliata L. var. vera and Aloe vulgaris Lam.<ref name="WFO"/><ref name="AFPD">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Some literature identifies the white-spotted form of Aloe vera as Aloe vera var. chinensis;<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and the spotted form of Aloe vera may be conspecific with A. massawana.<ref name=hb>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Aloe perfoliata var. vera,<ref>Linnaeus, C. (1753). Species plantarum, exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas. Vol. 2 pp. [i], 561–1200, [1–30, index], [i, err.]. Holmiae [Stockholm]: Impensis Laurentii Salvii.</ref> and was described again in 1768 by Nicolaas Laurens Burman as Aloe vera in Flora Indica on 6 April and by Philip Miller as Aloe barbadensis some ten days after Burman in the Gardener's Dictionary.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Techniques based on DNA comparison suggest Aloe vera is relatively closely related to Aloe perryi, a species endemic to Yemen.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Similar techniques, using chloroplast DNA sequence comparison and inter simple sequence repeat profiling have also suggested it is closely related to Aloe forbesii, Aloe inermis, Aloe scobinifolia, Aloe sinkatana, and Aloe striata.<ref name="Treutlein">Template:Cite journal</ref> With the exception of the South African species A. striata, these Aloe species are native to Socotra (Yemen), Somalia, and Sudan.<ref name="Treutlein"/> The lack of obvious natural populations of the species has led some authors to suggest Aloe vera may be of hybrid origin.<ref>Jones WD, Sacamano C. (2000) Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from Around the World. California Bill's Automotive Publishers. USA.</ref>
DescriptionEdit
Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant growing to Template:Convert tall, spreading by offsets.<ref name=cabi/>
LeavesEdit
The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces.<ref name="Yates">Yates A. (2002) Yates Garden Guide. Harper Collins Australia</ref> The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth.
Aloe vera leaves contain phytochemicals under study for possible bioactivity, such as lignans, phytosterols, polyphenols, acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinones C-glycosides, anthrones, and other anthraquinones, such as emodin and various lectins.<ref name=guo/><ref name="King">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="Eshun">Template:Cite journal</ref>
FlowersEdit
The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to Template:Convert tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla Template:Convert long.<ref name="Yates"/><ref name="BPGE">Template:Cite book Random House Australia/</ref>
RootsEdit
Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a root symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients from the soil.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
DistributionEdit
Aloe vera is considered to be native only to the south-east<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Arabian Peninsula in the Hajar Mountains in north-eastern Oman and eastern U.A.E.<ref name="WCSP_298116">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, it has been widely cultivated around the world, and has become naturalized in North Africa, as well as Sudan and neighboring countries, along with the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands.<ref name="AFPD"/> It has also naturalized in the Algarve region of Portugal,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and in wild areas across Spain, especially in the region of Murcia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The species was introduced to China and various parts of southern Europe in the 17th century.<ref>Farooqi, A. A. and Sreeramu, B. S. (2001) Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops. Orient Longman, India. Template:ISBN. p. 25.</ref> It is widely naturalized elsewhere, occurring in arid, temperate, and tropical regions of temperate continents.<ref name=cabi/><ref name=WCSP_298116/><ref name="kew">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The current distribution may be the result of cultivation.<ref name=hb/><ref>"Aloe vera (Linnaeus) Burman f., Fl. Indica. 83. 1768." in Flora of North America Vol. 26, p. 411</ref>
CultivationEdit
Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a topical medicinal plant<ref name=mayo/> and for 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 zones 8–11, and is intolerant of heavy frost and snow.<ref name="BPGE"/><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant health.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil, and bright, sunny conditions. Aloe plants can turn red from sunburn under too much direct sun, though gradual acclimation may help.<ref name="Peerless">Template:Cite book</ref> The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended, as they allow good drainage.<ref name="GA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Terra cotta pots are preferable as they are porous.<ref name="GA"/> Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry before rewatering. When potted, aloes can become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant". Plants that have become crowded can be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth, or the pups can be left with the mother plant.<ref name="Peerless" /> During winter, Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required.<ref name="Peerless" /> In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.<ref name="BPGE"/> Houseplants requiring similar care include haworthia and agave.<ref name="Peerless" />
There is large-scale agricultural production of Aloe vera in Australia,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> India,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Jamaica,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Spain,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and the United States,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with much of the output going toward the cosmetics industry.<ref name=cabi/>
UsesEdit
Two substances from Aloe vera – a clear gel and its yellow latex – are used to manufacture commercial products.<ref name="nih" /><ref name=mayo/> Aloe gel typically is used to make topical medications for skin conditions, such as burns, wounds, frostbite, rashes, psoriasis, cold sores, and dry skin.<ref name=nih/><ref name=mayo/> Aloe latex is used individually or manufactured as a product with other ingredients to be ingested for relief of constipation.<ref name=nih/><ref name=mayo/> Aloe latex may be obtained in a dried form called resin or as "aloe dried juice".<ref name="EMA-ar">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
There is conflicting evidence regarding whether Aloe vera is effective as a treatment for wounds or burns.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=mayo/> There is some evidence that topical use of aloe products might relieve symptoms of certain skin disorders, such as psoriasis, acne, or rashes,<ref name="nih" /><ref name=mayo/> but topical application may cause an allergic reaction in some people.<ref name=guo/>
Aloe vera gel is used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some desserts,<ref name="Reynolds"/> but at high or prolonged doses, ingesting aloe latex or whole leaf extract can be toxic.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=nih/><ref name=guo/><ref name="Expert Panel">Template:Cite journal</ref> Use of topical aloe vera in small amounts is likely to be safe.<ref name="nih" /><ref name=mayo/>
Topical medication and potential side effectsEdit
Aloe vera may be prepared as a lotion, gel, soap or cosmetics product for use on skin as a topical medication.<ref name=drugs/> For people with allergies to Aloe vera, skin reactions may include contact dermatitis with mild redness and itching, difficulty with breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=guo/><ref name="Expert Panel"/>
Dietary supplementEdit
Aloin, a compound found in the semi-liquid latex of some Aloe species, was a common ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) laxative products in the United States until 2002 when the Food and Drug Administration banned it because manufacturers failed to provide the necessary safety data.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=nih/><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Aloe vera has potential toxicity, with side effects occurring at some dose levels both when ingested and when applied topically.<ref name=drugs/><ref name="Expert Panel"/> Although toxicity may be less when aloin is removed by processing, Aloe vera ingested in high amounts may induce side effects, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or hepatitis.<ref name=drugs/><ref name="Bottenberg MM, Wall GC, Harvey RL, Habib S 2007 1740–3">Template:Cite journal</ref> Chronic ingestion of aloe (dose of 1 gram per day) may cause adverse effects, including hematuria, weight loss, and cardiac or kidney disorders.<ref name=drugs/>
Aloe vera juice is marketed to support the health of the digestive system, but there is neither scientific evidence nor regulatory approval for this claim.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=nih/><ref name="mayo">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The extracts and quantities typically used for such purposes are associated with toxicity in a dose-dependent way.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=guo/><ref name="Expert Panel"/>
Traditional medicineEdit
Aloe vera is used in traditional medicine as a skin treatment. Early records of its use appear from the fourth millennium BCE.<ref name=drugs/> It is also written of in the Juliana Anicia Codex of 512 CE.<ref name="Reynolds">Reynolds, Tom (Ed.) (2004) Aloes: The genus Aloe (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiles. CRC Press. Template:ISBN</ref>Template:Rp
CommoditiesEdit
Aloe vera is used on facial tissues where it is promoted as a moisturizer and anti-irritant to reduce chafing of the nose. Cosmetic companies commonly add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving cream, or shampoos.<ref name="Reynolds"/> A review of academic literature notes that its inclusion in many hygiene products is due to its "moisturizing emollient effect".<ref name="Eshun"/>
ToxicityEdit
Orally ingested non-decolorized aloe vera leaf extract was listed by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment among "chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity",<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> possibly resulting from the anthraquinones.<ref name=guo/>
Since 2016, aloe vera whole leaf extract is classified as a possible human carcinogen (group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Use of aloe vera on the skin is generally not associated with significant side effects.<ref name=nih/> Oral ingestion of aloe vera is potentially toxic,<ref name=drugs/><ref name=guo/> and may cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea which in turn can decrease the absorption of drugs.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=nih/>
Interactions with prescribed drugsEdit
Ingested aloe products may have adverse interactions with prescription drugs, such as those used to treat blood clots, diabetes, heart disease and potassium-lowering agents (such as Digoxin), and diuretics, among others.<ref name=drugs/><ref name=mayo/>
GalleryEdit
- Aloe vera leaf showing the gel (1).JPG
Leaf and inner gel
- Aloe vera gel.jpg
Gel used for desserts
- Es Lidah Buaya.JPG
Es lidah buaya, an Indonesian Aloe vera iced drink
- Gelaloevera.JPG
Juice
- Cut Aloe Vera Leaf.jpg
Cut leaf
- Aloe vera cut leaf drawing1.jpg
Diagram of leaf: 1 Cuticle, 2 Chloroplast parenchym, 3 Inner tissue, 4 Vascular bundles
- Aloe Vera Buds.jpg
Buds
- Aloe Vera flower.jpg
Flower buds
- Aloe vera flower 2.jpg
Flowers
- AloeBluhendD2.JPG
Plants of different sizes
- A potted aloe vera plant.jpg
A potted plant
- Aloe plant bud.jpg
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
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