A perennial succulent plant prevalent in hot, dry areas.
Resembles a cactus.
Prevalent in Asia, Africa, and other tropical areas.
Gel and dried latex from aloe leaves use for relief of burns, psoriasis, frostbite, diabetes ulcerative colitis and constipation.
Marketed in juice, gel tablets, capsules and topical creams.
A comment ingredient in many cosmetics, lotions and creams.
Has been used orally for ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and constipation
Promoted for use in radiation induced skin toxicity.
Laboratory studies indicate immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer properties.
Data in its ability to alleviate radiation therapy induced skin damage is inconsistent.
Oral use can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and electrolyte abnormalities.
Inappropriate use associated with thyroid dysfunction and perioperative bleeding, toxic hepatitis and hypokalemia.
in second-degree burns topical aloe found to be superior to Silver sulfadiazine cream (Khorsani G et al).
Adverse reactions include thyroid dysfunction, hypokalemia, and hepatitis.