The Aloe Vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties and it is one of the herbal medicines widely used in Western society.
Its name Aloe Vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” ("aloe" shining bitter substance) and “vera” meaning “true” in Latin. Aloe has been largely used by the Egyptians and other antient civilizations. They used to call it “the plant of immortality”. The queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes, it has been used by Alexander the Great and Christopher Columbus to treat soldier's wounds.
The dry regions of Africa, America, Asia and Europe are the ideal place for aloe vera to grow and thrive. Aloe extracts manufacturing became one of the largest botanical industries worldwide (International Aloe Science Council 2004). It has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.
It is used as a base material for soaps, shampoos, skin moisturizers, lotions, creams and many other products. It is also used in food supplements and drinks.
Aloe vera is one of approximately 420 species of the genus Aloe, which is variously classified as belonging to the Asphodelaceae, Liliaceae, or Aloaceae families (commonly known by its botanical name as Aloe Barbadensis Miller).
The WHO states aloe vera Barbadensis is considered to be the most biologically active of the Aloe species (WHO 1999). With more than 75 potentially active elements that have been identified in the plant (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, anthraquinones, lignin, poly- and saccharides, saponins and salicylic acids).
Aloe leaf consists of 3 layers: An inner clear gel with 99% water (the rest are glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins). The middle layer (the bitter yellow liquid) contains glycosides and anthraquinones. The outer thick layer (rind) has protective function and also synthesizesproteins and carbohydrates.
Aloe leaf consists of 3 layers: An inner clear gel with 99% water (the rest are glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins). The middle layer (the bitter yellow liquid) contains glycosides and anthraquinones. The outer thick layer (rind) has protective function and also synthesizesproteins and carbohydrates.
The composition of Aloe vera extracts varies depending on each plant variant, the climate and age.