Aloe vera: Difference between revisions
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| image = Aloe vera 2web.jpg | | image = Aloe vera 2web.jpg | ||
| image_width = 240px | | image_width = 240px | ||
| regnum = [ | | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | ||
| classis = [ | | divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | ||
| classis = [[monocotyledon|Liliopsida]] | |||
| ordo = [[Asparagales]] | |||
| familia = [[Asphodelaceae]] | |||
| genus = ''[[Aloe]]'' | |||
| species = '''''A. vera''''' | |||
| binomial = ''Aloe vera'' | | binomial = ''Aloe vera'' | ||
| binomial_authority = ([ | | binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Nicolaas Laurens Burman|Burm.f.]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Aloe vera''''' ([ | '''''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== | ==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{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. | 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{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. | ||
''A. vera'' has a long history of cultivation throughout the drier [ | ''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]]. <!-- change to [[Aloe (herbal remedy)]] when this info is split off to that page --> <br clear = left> | ||
===Food preservative=== | ===Food preservative=== | ||
Researchers at the [ | 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=== | ===Medicinal uses=== | ||
''A. vera'' has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and [ | ''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 [ | ''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, [ | 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{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. | ||
An article published in the ''British Journal of General Practice'' suggests that ''A. vera'' is effective at treating [ | 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}}. | ||
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. | 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. | ||
[ | [[Image:Aloe vera leaf.jpg|thumb|Leaf close up]] | ||
==Parts that can be used== | ==Parts that can be used== | ||
| Line 41: | Line 46: | ||
===Use in foods=== | ===Use in foods=== | ||
In Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available [ | In Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available [[yogurt]]. | ||
There are also many companies which produce Aloe Vera beverages.<ref> | |||
{{cite web | {{cite web | ||
| title =Aloe Vera Drinks | | title =Aloe Vera Drinks | ||
| Line 47: | Line 53: | ||
| accessdate = }}</ref> | | accessdate = }}</ref> | ||
In Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a [ | 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.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} | ||
[ | [[Pashtuns]] 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.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} | ||
People in Rajastahn state of India prepare vegetable out of Aloe Vera along with [ | People in Rajastahn state of India prepare vegetable out of Aloe Vera along with [[fenugreek]] seeds.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} | ||
People in Tamil Nadu, another state of India prepare a curry using Aloe Vera which is taken along with Indian bread or rice.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} | People in Tamil Nadu, another state of India prepare a curry using Aloe Vera which is taken along with Indian bread or rice.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} | ||
Some popular beverages, such as [ | Some popular beverages, such as [[SoBe|SoBe's Strawberry Daiquirí]], contain Aloe Vera. In Mexico [[smoothies]] made out of Aloe Vera are fairly common.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 61: | Line 67: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{commons|Aloe vera}} | {{commons|Aloe vera}} | ||
*[http:// | *[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:// | *[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:// | *[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:// | *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:// | *[http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aloe+vera Plants for a Future: ''Aloe vera''] | ||
*[http:// | *[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:// | *[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027555 Flora of China: ''Aloe vera''] | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| Line 73: | Line 79: | ||
<!-- Please do not add links to websites that sell Aloe Vera products --> | <!-- Please do not add links to websites that sell Aloe Vera products --> | ||
[ | [[Category:Aloe]] | ||
[ | [[Category:Medicinal plants]] | ||
[[Category:Flora of Africa]] | |||
[ | [[ca:Aloe vera]] | ||
[ | [[cs:Aloe pravá]] | ||
[ | [[de:Echte Aloe]] | ||
[ | [[es:Aloe vera]] | ||
[ | [[eo:Aloo vera]] | ||
[ | [[fa:صبر زرد]] | ||
[ | [[fr:Aloe vera]] | ||
[ | [[hsb:Prawy alowej]] | ||
[ | [[id:Lidah Buaya]] | ||
[ | [[it:Aloe vera]] | ||
[ | [[he:אלוורה]] | ||
[ | [[ht:Pye lalwa]] | ||
[ | [[hu:Aloe vera]] | ||
[ | [[ms:Pokok Lidah Buaya]] | ||
[ | [[nl:Aloë vera]] | ||
[ | [[no:Aloe vera]] | ||
[ | [[pl:Aloes zwyczajny]] | ||
[ | [[pt:Babosa]] | ||
[ | [[sk:Aloa pravá]] | ||
[ | [[sr:Обична алоја]] | ||
[[fi:Lääkeaaloe]] | |||
[[sv:Äkta aloe]] | |||
[[th:ว่านหางจระเข้]] | |||
[[to:ʻAloe]] | |||
{{WikiDoc Help Menu}} | |||
Latest revision as of 20:06, 27 September 2011
| Aloe vera | ||||||||||||||
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| File:Aloe vera 2web.jpg | ||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. |
Aloe vera (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 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.
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[citation needed].
A. vera has a long history of cultivation throughout the drier tropical and subtropical regions of the world, both as an ornamental plant and for herbal medicine. For its herbal and medicinal uses, many of which are shared with related species, see Aloe.
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 legumes. 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 grapes 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 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 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, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions, 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[citation needed].
An article published in the British Journal of General Practice suggests that A. vera is effective at treating athlete's foot [citation needed].
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.
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 of the skin. Leaves and seeds are the two edible parts of Aloe Vera[citation needed].
Use in foods
In Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available yogurt. There are also many companies which produce Aloe Vera beverages.[1]
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.[citation needed]
Pashtuns in the 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.[citation needed]
People in Rajastahn state of India prepare vegetable out of Aloe Vera along with fenugreek seeds.[citation needed]
People in Tamil Nadu, another state of India prepare a curry using Aloe Vera which is taken along with Indian bread or rice.[citation needed]
Some popular beverages, such as SoBe's Strawberry Daiquirí, contain Aloe Vera. In Mexico smoothies made out of Aloe Vera are fairly common.[citation needed]
Notes
References
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aloe vera. |
- The effect of Acemannan Immunostimulant in combination with surgery and radiation therapy on spontaneous canine and feline fibrosarcomas
- Decreased mortality of Norman murine sarcoma in mice treated with the immunomodulator, Acemannan.
- 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 also.
- Plants for a Future: Aloe vera
- Flora Europaea: Aloe vera (lists only as an introduced plant, contrary to statements of European origin in some other sources)
- Flora of China: Aloe vera
External links
ca:Aloe vera cs:Aloe pravá de:Echte Aloe eo:Aloo vera fa:صبر زرد hsb:Prawy alowej id:Lidah Buaya it:Aloe vera he:אלוורה ht:Pye lalwa hu:Aloe vera ms:Pokok Lidah Buaya nl:Aloë vera no:Aloe vera sk:Aloa pravá sr:Обична алоја fi:Lääkeaaloe sv:Äkta aloe th:ว่านหางจระเข้ to:ʻAloe