BOTANICAL NAME: Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis PART USED AND HABITAT: The aloe plant originally came from Africa. The leaves, which are long, green, fleshy, and have spikes along the edges, are used medicinally. The fresh leaf gel and latex are used for many purposes. Aloe latex is the sticky residue left over after the liquid from cut aloe leaves has evaporated. INDICATION AND USAGE: (1) Primary uses: Constipation. (2) Secondary uses: Burns (minor); Canker sores (mouth ulcers); Diabetes; Injuries (minor); Psoriasis; Wound healing(topical). (3) Other uses: Crohn?s disease; Ulcerative colitis ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: The constituents that cause the cathartic laxative effects of aloe latex are known as anthraquinone glycosides. These molecules are split by the normal bacteria in the large intestines to form other molecules (aglycones), which exert the laxative action. Various constituents have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects as well as to stimulate wound healing. Preliminary evidence also suggests an antibacterial effect. Older case studies reported aloe gel applied topically could help heal radiation burns. However, a large, modern, placebo-controlled study did not find aloe effective in this regard. Some clinical studies suggest topical aloe gel for healing minor burns. However, as noted below, aloe has been associated with slowing the healing process in some cases of more severe burns. Blood sugar-lowering effects of aloe have been shown in diabetic mice and confirmed in two small placebo-controlled human studies either alone or in combination with the oral hypoglycemic drug glibenclamide. An aloe vera extract in a cream has been shown effective in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in people with psoriasis.An early clinical report suggests internal use of aloe gel may help with the healing of pepti ulcers as well.