Aloe vera , also known as the Medicinal Aloe , is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in northern Africa . The species does not have any naturally occurring populations, although closely related Aloes do occur in northern Africa. more

Aloe vera , also known as the Medicinal Aloe , is a species of succulent plant that probably originated in northern Africa . The species does not have any naturally occurring populations, although closely related Aloes do occur in northern Africa. [ 1 ] The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD, because it is mentioned in the New Testament ( John 19:39?40 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes... ). [ 2 ] However, it is unclear whether the aloes described in the Bible are derived from A. vera . Extracts from A. vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries, being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing or soothing properties. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] There is, however, little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of A. vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes, and what positive evidence is available is frequently contradicted by other studies. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] Despite these limitations, there is some preliminary evidence that A. vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans. [ 8 ] These positive effects are thought to be due to the presence of compounds such as mannans , anthraquinones and lectins . [ 8 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] less