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Aloe barbadensis (Aloe
vera )- Medicinal Aloe (Liliaceae)
Over 200 species of this succulent genus occur in arid parts
of the Old World, chiefly Africa. Medicinal properties of this
stemless, stoloniferous, clump-forming aloe have been known from
3500 years ago. Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all used
the plant for healing wounds, rashes, skin irritations, sunburns,
headaches and stomach complaints.The resinous sap or yellow juice
of the leaves contains a mixture of phenolic compounds (the source
of Aloin) and aloe extracts. These compounds protect the skin
from radiation burns, ultraviolet rays, chronic skin and mouth
ulcers, eczema and Poison Ivy rashes. The gel from central pulp
of the leaf has polysaccharides that have a soothing and anti-inflammatory
effect and is used in different cosmetic creams and moisturizers
as well as shampoos. It has been said that Alexander the Great
conquered the island of Scotra in order to obtain supplies of
aloes for his soldiers wounds! Note the similarity of Aloe
to Agave species.
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