Aloe Vera is a member of the Liliaceae family. Also known as Aloe barbadensis, Barbados aloe, and medicinal aloe. (Quattrocchi, 2000) There are nearly five hundred species of aloe, found throughout the world today. These low or stem-less plants that originated from Africa, have prickly margined, pointed leaves that produce a yellowish, "gel" or medicinal sap, when cut. Taonomic Affiliation: The species Aloe Vera is more scientifically known as Aloe barbadenis. It is a member of the Asphodelacea (Liliaceae) family, which has many other similar plants, but A. Vera seems to be the most well known. (Mabberley, 1997) Importance: The Aloe Vera plant is world renowned for its healing benefits. Many people refer to it as "the burn plant" because it is widely used for relief of minor burns, included those caused from the sun. The outside of the leaf is smooth and rubbery to touch and inside is the Aloe Vera "gel" that is so highly regarded. The gel appears to contain some type of wound suppressant that accelerates the rates of healing of injured surfaces. Scientists have found that the Aloe Vera "gel" is a diverse mixture of antibiotic, astringent, coagulating agent, pain inhibitor, cell growth stimulator and scar inhibitor. Scientists have not yet determined all of the uses for the Aloe Vera plant, nor why it works some of the wonders it does. They believe that it is the mixture of ingredients found in the "gel". Aloe Vera contains more than 70 essential ingredients including most vitamins, minerals, enzymes, protein, amino acids and vitamin B12. Aloe Vera can be taken internally or applied externally to cure many numerous aliments. Some of the external applications including skin disorders, oral disorders, ear and eye disorders. Some of the internal uses include fungal infections, athletics injuries, stomach and kidney disorders, diabetes, and parasites. (Chinery, 1966) Economical Importance: Aloe Vera is also economically important because it is used in many skin products and cosmetics.
