Plant Profile

Aloe Vera

Compiled by the Omnia Sana editorial team from the plant database ·Last updated August 14, 2026
Aloe vera
Family: Asphodelaceae  ·  Parts used: Leaf  ·  Also known as: True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Medicinal Aloe, Burn Plant, First Aid Plant

Common names in 7 European languages →

The complete database record: 3 documented constituents, 6 pharmacological actions, 8 traditional / indicated uses, with 24 cited sources.

Botanical Description

Succulent, rosette-forming perennial with thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves edged with soft, pale teeth, each leaf filled with a clear, slippery, mucilaginous gel beneath a tougher green rind. In favourable conditions it produces a tall flowering spike bearing tubular yellow (sometimes orange) flowers.[1]

Height: Leaves 40-80 cm; flower spike to about 1 m
Habit: Succulent, rosette-forming perennial
Leaves: Thick, fleshy, lance-shaped, edged with soft pale teeth, filled with clear mucilaginous gel
Flowers: Tubular yellow (occasionally orange) flowers on a tall, unbranched or sparsely branched spike
Stem: Very short, often inconspicuous, below the leaf rosette
Root: Shallow, fibrous roots
Fruit: Capsule (rarely produced in cultivation)
Flowering Period: Varies with climate; typically under warm, dry conditions

Habitat & Distribution

Believed native to the Arabian Peninsula, and now cultivated and naturalised throughout arid and semi-arid tropical and subtropical regions worldwide as a garden, medicinal and commercial crop.[1]

Harvesting

Outer, mature leaves are cut close to the base as needed; the clear inner gel (mucilage) is separated from the outer rind and from the bitter yellow latex (aloin-containing exudate) just under the rind, since the gel and the latex have different uses and safety profiles.[1]

Parts: Leaf
Season: Year-round where climate permits, from mature outer leaves

Key Constituents

Polysaccharides (acemannan)[1]

Acemannan and other glucomannans are the principal gel polysaccharides, underlying the emollient and wound-healing effects.

PolysaccharidesMucilage
Anthraquinones (aloin, aloe-emodin)[1]

Found mainly in the leaf latex (not the inner gel); responsible for the traditional laxative effect and requiring caution with prolonged use.

Anthraquinones
Enzymes, vitamins and minerals[1]

Minor bioactive enzymes, vitamins (including C and E) and minerals contribute to the antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties of the gel.

Pharmacological Actions

Analgesic (pain relief)
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 7, 10, 11]
Anticancer (preclinical)[14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]

Aloe vera and its anthraquinone aloe-emodin show dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against multiple cancer types in vitro and in vivo (preclinical).

Antimicrobial[1, 3, 9, 11]
Emollient / skin-soothing[4]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[4, 5, 8, 10]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-2240
Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Bruising

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bruising

more plants for bruising →detailed sources →

Cancer (anticancer research)[14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Preliminary · 2/10

Aloe-emodin, an Aloe vera anthraquinone, induces apoptosis and inhibits growth of gastric, oral squamous, hepatocellular, lung (incl. xenograft) and glioblastoma cancer cells, modulating caspases, Bcl-2/Bax, PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signalling (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)

more plants for cancer (anticancer research) →detailed sources →

Eczema

inferred from emollient action

Evidence: 1
Label: Eczema

more plants for eczema →detailed sources →

Infection (general)

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)

more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →

Inflammation (general)

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →

Skin irritation

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-2240
Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →

Wounds

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds

more plants for wounds →detailed sources →

Traditional Use & History

Aloe vera has an ancient reputation, recorded from ancient Egypt onward, as a topical remedy for burns, wounds and skin inflammation (the 'burn plant' / 'first aid plant'), and the bitter leaf latex has been used traditionally as a stimulant laxative. It remains one of the most widely used topical botanicals for skin care and minor wound healing.[1]

Preparations

Fresh gel[1]

Clear inner leaf gel applied fresh, or as a stabilised commercial gel, directly to the skin for burns, minor wounds and skin irritation.

Oral juice/gel[1]

Inner leaf gel (latex-free) taken orally, used traditionally for digestive support.

Dosage

Topical gel[13]

The WHO monograph on Aloe Vera Gel specifies fresh gel, or preparations containing 10-70% fresh gel, applied to the affected skin area. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety noteCaution

Topical use of aloe gel is generally safe for most people. Oral use of aloe latex as a laxative is potentially unsafe with prolonged use due to risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potential kidney damage. Aloe latex contains anthraquinone glycosides which may cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May interact with diabetes medications, diuretics, and laxatives. Oral aloe gel at typical doses appears safe short-term but long-term safety is unclear. Allergic reactions possible in sensitive individuals.

Safety note[20]Caution

Duke (2002) reports clinical evidence (score 2/3) supporting aloe gel's use in psoriasis, constipation (in adults), and as a vulnerary. Gel preparations have been clinically validated for peptic ulcers (excluding stress-induced), radiation burns, and skin ulcers. Dose: 1 tablespoon gel three times daily or 50–200 mg dried juice equivalent per day as a laxative. An important safety distinction is made: the gel (inner leaf mucilage) is AHPA Class 1 (safe), while the inner leaf juice or dried latex is Class 2b due to anthraquinone content and is contraindicated in intestinal inflammation, colitis, Crohn's disease, appendicitis, and during menstruation (Duke, 2002).

Herb-Drug Interactions

Antidiabetics[21]Caution
Mechanism: Aloe vera (taken internally) can lower blood sugar - a meta-analysis found improved fasting glucose in prediabetes and improved HbA1c in type 2 diabetes - so combining it with diabetes medicines may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia; monitor blood glucose.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Dangerous Lookalikes

Agave Americana[22, 23, 24]Irritant
Confused Part: Fleshy leaves harvested for their soothing gel; agave forms a very similar large rosette of thick, pointed succulent leaves.
Confusion Context: Aloe vera is grown and harvested for the clear soothing gel inside its fleshy leaves. Agave (Agave americana and relatives) forms a very similar rosette of thick, pointed succulent leaves and, as Gardening Know How notes, the two are easily confused if you have not grown both. But agave is not soothing: its sap contains calcium oxalate raphides, steroidal saponins and acrid oils, and peer-reviewed dermatology reports document painful irritant contact dermatitis (even purpura) from agave sap. Applying or ingesting agave sap in mistake for aloe gel can burn the skin, mouth and gut. Because both are common houseplants and garden succulents, this is a realistic mix-up.
Distinguishing Features: Inside the leaf (decisive): snap or cut a leaf. Aloe leaves are soft and filled with clear, slippery gel. Agave leaves are tough and fibrous/stringy with no gel - you cannot easily snap them by hand., Leaf tip and edge: agave leaves end in one hard, sharp terminal spine and often have stiff sharp teeth; aloe has softer, more pliable leaves with soft whitish teeth and no rigid terminal spike., Whole plant over time: aloe flowers repeatedly on a branched stalk and lives on; agave typically flowers only once, on a huge tall stalk, then dies.
Key Test: Cut a leaf. Clear, slippery gel inside a soft leaf = aloe (safe gel). A tough, fibrous leaf with no gel, ending in a hard sharp spine = agave - its sap is an irritant that can burn skin, mouth and gut, so do not use it. When in doubt, do not apply or consume it unless you are certain it is aloe.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Harvest Readiness

[12]

Part: leaf
Signals: Harvest the thick, fleshy, mature leaves from the outside/base of the plant - the oldest, most gel-filled leaves - taking only a few outer leaves at a time. Not seasonal: outer leaves are cut as they reach full size on an established (roughly 2-3 year old) plant., Confirm identity before cutting: Aloe vera leaves are soft and gel-filled with fine soft marginal teeth; do not confuse with Agave americana, whose leaves are stiff and fibrous with a sharp terminal spine and no gel. See this plant's Dangerous Lookalikes.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: Look for thick and fleshy leaves that are growing on the outside of the plant. These are typically the most mature leaves and will provide the best yield.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: Gardener's Path, aloe harvest (REF-3195). Maturity-based signal (mature outer/lowest leaves), not seasonal. Single source -> provisional.

External Identifiers

GBIF ›Plants of the World Online ›Wikidata ›

References & Sources

  1. Sanchez, M., Gonzalez-Burgos, E., Iglesias, I. and Gomez-Serranillos, M.P (2020) 'Pharmacological update properties of Aloe vera and its major active constituents', Molecules, 25(6), pp. 1324. doi:10.3390/molecules25061324 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061324
  2. Kaur, S. and Bains, K (2023) 'Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera)', International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 94(3-4), pp. 308-321. doi:10.1024/0300-9831/a000797 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831/a000797
  3. Catalano, A., Ceramella, J., Iacopetta, D., Marra, M., Conforti, F., Lupi, F.R., Gabriele, D., Borges, F. and Sinicropi, M.S (2024) 'Aloe vera - an extensive review focused on recent studies', Foods, 13(13), pp. 2155. doi:10.3390/foods13132155 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132155
  4. Surjushe, A., Vasani, R. and Saple, D.G (2008) 'Aloe vera: a short review', Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), pp. 163-166. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.44785 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
  5. Liang, J., Cui, L., Li, J., Guan, S., Zhang, K. and Li, J (2020) 'Aloe vera: a medicinal plant used in skin wound healing', Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 27(5), pp. 455-474. doi:10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0236 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.TEB.2020.0236
  6. Guo, X. and Mei, N (2016) 'Aloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects', Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part C, 34(2), pp. 77-96. doi:10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1080/10590501.2016.1166826
  7. Boyapati, R., Peeta, J., Dhulipalla, R., Kolaparthy, L., Adurty, C. and Cheruvu, R.N.S (2024) 'Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: a randomized controlled trial', Dental and Medical Problems, 61(2), pp. 181-190. doi:10.17219/dmp/156425 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.17219/dmp/156425
  8. Hekmatpou, D., Mehrabi, F., Rahzani, K. and Aminiyan, A (2019) 'The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review', Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 44(1), pp. 1-9. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20effect%20of%20Aloe%20vera%20clinical%20trials%20on%20prevention%20and%20healing%20of%20skin%20wound%3A%20a%20systematic%20review
  9. Gao, Y., Kuok, K.I., Jin, Y. and Wang, R (2018) 'Biomedical applications of Aloe vera', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(sup1), pp. S244-S256. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1496320 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2018.1496320
  10. Feily, A. and Namazi, M.R (2009) 'Aloe vera in dermatology: a brief review', Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia, 144(1), pp. 85-91. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Aloe%20vera%20in%20dermatology%3A%20a%20brief%20review
  11. Sierra-Garcia, G.D., Castro-Rios, R., Gonzalez-Horta, A., Lara-Arias, J. and Chavez-Montes, A (2014) 'Acemannan, an extracted polysaccharide from Aloe vera: a literature review', Natural Product Communications, 9(8), pp. 1217-1221. doi:10.1177/1934578×1400900836 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578×1400900836
  12. Gardener's Path 'How to Harvest Aloe Vera Leaves (Aloe vera)'. Available at: https://gardenerspath.com/plants/succulents/harvest-aloe-vera/ Traditional / reference
    https://gardenerspath.com/plants/succulents/harvest-aloe-vera/
  13. World Health Organization (1999) 'Aloe Vera Gel'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
    https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37
  14. Haroon, N. and Amjad, A. and Maaz, M. and Noman, A.M. and Anees, N. and Muhammad, Z. and Shah, M. and Al Abdulmonem, W (2026) 'Phytochemistry, Bioavailability, and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Multitarget Anticancer Activity of Aloe vera', Nutrients, 18(12), pp. 2034. doi:10.3390/nu18122034 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18122034
  15. Chen, S.-H. and Lin, K.-Y. and Chang, C.-C. and Fang, C.-L. and Lin, C.-P (2007) 'Aloe-emodin-induced apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma cells', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45(11), pp. 2296-2303. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.06.005 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.06.005
  16. Li, Q. and Wen, J. and Yu, K. and Shu, Y. and He, W. and Chu, H. and Zhang, B. and Ge, C (2018) 'Aloe-emodin induces apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC15 cells', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), pp. 296. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2353-z Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2353-z
  17. Arcella, A. and Sanchez, M (2021) 'Natural substances to potentiate canonical glioblastoma chemotherapy', Journal of Chemotherapy, 33(5), pp. 276-287. doi:10.1080/1120009X.2021.1873633 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1080/1120009X.2021.1873633
  18. Zhu, M. and He, Q. and Wang, Y. and Duan, L. and Rong, K. and Wu, Y. and Ding, Y. and Mi, Y. and Ge, X. and Yang, X. and Yu, Y (2023) 'Exploring the mechanism of aloe-emodin in the treatment of liver cancer through network pharmacology and cell experiments', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, pp. 1238841. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1238841
  19. Kim, H.J. and Choi, J.W. and Ree, J. and Lim, J.S. and Lee, J. and Kim, J.I. and Thapa, S.B. and Sohng, J.K. and Park, Y.I (2022) 'Aloe emodin 3-O-glucoside inhibits cell growth and migration and induces apoptosis of non-small-cell lung cancer cells via suppressing MEK/ERK and Akt signalling pathways', Life Sciences, 300, pp. 120495. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120495 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120495
  20. Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
  21. Suksomboon, N., Poolsup, N. and Punthanitisarn, S (2016) 'Effect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(2), pp. 180-188. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12382 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12382
  22. Gardening Know How 'Aloe Vs. Agave Plants: What's The Difference Between Aloe And Agave'. Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-tell-agave-and-aloe-apart.htm Traditional / reference
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-tell-agave-and-aloe-apart.htm
  23. Ricks, M.R. and Vogel, P.S. and Elston, D.M. and Hivnor, C (1999) 'Purpuric agave dermatitis', Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 40(2 Pt 2), pp. 356-8. doi:10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70485-8 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70485-8
  24. Genillier-Foin, N. and Avenel-Audran, M (2007) 'Purpuric contact dermatitis from Agave americana', Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie, 134(5 Pt 1), pp. 477-8. doi:10.1016/s0151-9638(07)89218-0 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/s0151-9638(07)89218-0

This fact sheet is generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and reflects its latest synced data. It is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. How this site is built.

Selected studies & references

ReviewAloe vera - an extensive review focused on recent studies source↗ (2024)
ReviewAloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) source↗ (2023)
ReviewAloe vera: a medicinal plant used in skin wound healing source↗ (2020)
ReviewPharmacological update properties of Aloe vera and its major active constituents source↗ (2020)
ReviewThe effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review source↗ (2019)
ReviewBiomedical applications of Aloe vera source↗ (2018)
ReviewAloe vera: a review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects source↗ (2016)
ReviewEffect of Aloe vera on glycaemic control in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis source↗ (2016)

All 19 studies in the Knowledge Finder →

Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions - always check before use.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.

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